Philippe Clement has issued a rallying call to the Ibrox crowd to ensure Rangers end the year on a high despite their Old Firm defeat on Saturday.

The Belgian suffered the first loss of his reign as manager as Celtic edged a competitive and controversial derby at Parkhead. Goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo were enough to secure victory as Rangers, who had Leon Balogun sent off, couldn't find a late leveller despite James Tavernier reducing the arrears with a stunning free-kick.

Celtic are now eight points clear in the Premiership title race but Clement's side have two games in hand on their Old Firm rivals. Before that, though, they must take care of business against Kilmarnock this afternoon in their final fixture before the winter break.

Clement has made an impressive impact since replacing Michael Beale as boss in October and planning for the second half of the campaign kickstarted last week with the arrival of striker Fabio Silva. The Portuguese could make his debut against Killie and Clement is eager to finish 2023 with a flourish.

“Yeah it’s crucial," Clement said when asked about the importance of bouncing back against Kilmarnock. "I also expect our fans to support the team, to push the team from the first second to the last second. That’s because we’ve come out of a very good period where the players have shown a lot.

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“Also on Saturday, if you look only at the result you need to be disappointed but not about the performance. So they are doing the things that supporters expect. They’re making the shirt really dirty by giving everything and going full out every time.

“So we will do that one more time on Tuesday. And I expect to see the fans behind the team from the first second to the last.”

The derby defeat was a sore blow for Rangers to stomach as their lengthy unbeaten run under Clement's guidance came to an end. The Belgian admitted his side made mistakes during the Parkhead clash but he was left bemused by a series of contentious refereeing decisions that continue to provoke debate several days on.

One of the positives for Clement was the performance of Dujon Sterling. The full-back showed up well in a midfield role once again and his adaptability has been crucial for Rangers during a period of significant injury issues.

“I think he played a really good game on Saturday," Clement said. “He was maybe the best midfielder on the pitch. I’m happy with him and he’s a good example of what I want - players who are available for the team in whatever position.

“He doesn’t say, ‘This is my position and I can only play there’. No, if you really have a good mindset then players with good quality can play in a lot of positions and he’s doing that for the team. It’s been a really important thing these last few weeks in these circumstances with all these other injuries."

The dismissal of Balogun all-but ended chances of a maiden Old Firm win for Clement and there was no grandstand finish despite Tavernier giving Rangers hope heading into the closing stages. By that time, the damage had been done for Rangers.

READ MORE: Celtic 2-1 Rangers: Tavernier strike, Dessers miss, referee question

Clement was able to see the silver linings in the aftermath of the defeat. Now it is all about the reaction from his players as Rangers look to regroup and go again in the Premiership.

“Yes, him also but you guys have picked out Dujon and Ross," Clement said when asked about youngster Ross McCausland on his derby debut. “But it’s a difficult thing for me because I need to pick out a lot of names. I didn’t see one player who didn’t fight. I didn’t see one player who didn’t show quality in a lot of moments. Yes there were mistakes made but I’m really happy with the way this team is reacting.

“I’m really happy with the way this team is growing and we need to continue. This needs to give us more hunger. I’ve said it the last few weeks. Maybe I’ve said it too much. Now the most interesting thing for me is to see after a disappointment, a moment were you are not happy, and how they react.

“They showed it on Saturday because going 2-0 behind and going down to 10 in a strange situation where your supporters are not in allowed in the stadium, and showing that character. I think they sent a good message. But I think they need to show a strong message on Tuesday too.”