"I've been involved in that about choices to make and it was for me the best scenario - not only for the players for sure, also for the fans, because we need to think about that. That was for me also a priority that they could feel in a way at home, not travelling much more than it is now."

Philippe Clement

Manager Philippe Clement insists Rangers' temporary move to Hampden was "the best scenario" for the club while Ibrox is being renovated.

Rangers entertain Motherwell in their first game at their new home on Saturday, on the back of their Champions League draw with Dynamo Kyiv in midweek.

The delay to work on the Copland Stand at Ibrox - where the club's expansion includes a new cantilever, enhanced access for disabled fans and an expanded singing section - was caused by late shipment of materials.

And, while Clement admits the club looked at the possibility of Murrayfield or a stadium in England for a short-term relocation, he feels switching games to the national stadium is the best option for players and fans.

"I've been involved in that about choices to make and it was for me the best scenario - not only for the players for sure, also for the fans, because we need to think about that," he said.

"That was for me also a priority that they could feel in a way at home, not travelling much more than it is now. It's not a big difference. It's a little bit different maybe for people, but not a big difference.

"It would have been different if it was at Murrayfield or a big stadium in England for example, [which] were also other possibilities. So I'm really happy that the club could find a solution. I think for everybody it's the best alternative."We know one thing we will have again 50,000 fans behind the team, so that's a really important thing that you have that amount of people.

"We have the same amount that you have at Ibrox and I know the fans will be behind the team to push them. I have the experience a few times already with half our fans at Hampden who made a very good atmosphere, so they will be double now. So I expect more than double the atmosphere from before that."

Clement gave his squad a clean bill of health after their draw with Kyiv on Tuesday as he drew positives from the result ahead of next week’s home leg – which will be shown live on BBC Scotland.

"It's confirmation that, week by week, the team is getting better and players get better physical levels," he added.

"Players coming out of injury, getting better. Players coming in get to know each other better, getting physically better.

"So that's the way we're going to continue the next weeks and months. That's why I said also we're going to be, of course, better in October and November. It's a logical thing."

Original article published 09.08.2024 on the BBC Sport website.

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