Philippe Clement has stated the Rangers academy needs "work and time" as he named Ross McCausland as the only prospect ready for the first-team starting XI.

The Belgian manager has revealed there are a number of "talented players" in the youth system at Auchenhowie but admitted it's unlikely any will burst into the starting XI alongside McCausland in the near future.

McCausland has featured in cameo appearances this season, most recently in an impressive display off the bench against Sparta Prague in midweek.

Quizzed on the youngster - who joined Rangers from Linfield in 2019 - Clement said: "Impressed. Okay but for me it's not like he's above the other players.

"It's important, and it's one of the things I talked to the board about before I came, I'm not a manager who is only busy with the first team but also with the academy. It's my passion also. It's the way I started my career as coach.

"It's important to have symbols out of the academy like Ross to show the way to the first team and that it's possible. It's really important to have these types of players and it's really important from our side to get a bridge between the first team and the academy and I'm busy on that.

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"Also to implement how we are working on the first team in the academy also to make them top professionals. Also to make sure the step is not too big because at most teams it's too big because there are no steps in between and we need to make these smaller. It's nice to see a young boy doing well and that he can be a symbol for the rest in there."

On the academy set-up and possible prospects, Clement added: "I think we need more work and time. There are a few talented players but I don't see anybody in the next two months be at the level Ross is to be able to be part of the starting XI."

The Ibrox boss had earlier admitted he is hopeful McCausland will extend his contract at Rangers beyond this summer. 

"We are in talks," confirmed Clement. "He first needs to sign and then I will see!

"As long as there is no signature there is no signing for me but it's clear that I'm giving him good chances.

"He knows that I believe in him for the future so it's about him and his family to make the right choice and I think the right choice is staying here."