Rangers’ 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, while a crucial result in the wake of their dismal loss to Queen’s Park, was a match that typified the issues that Philippe Clement is currently grappling with. A win would typically leave Rangers fans smiling, but the circumstances surrounding this victory leave much to be desired. The victory was secured with the help of two own goals by Jamie McCart, a player whose history with Celtic has made his contribution to Rangers’ win particularly poignant. The unfortunate own goals may have given Rangers the advantage, but they also underline the issues that Rangers are facing in their attempts to bounce back and regain their position at the top.

Jamie McCart, who was brought to Hearts in January to strengthen their defense, has been a key figure in their recent revival. Yet, his two own goals against Rangers would have hit him hard on multiple levels, not least because of his Celtic background. As a young player in 2017, McCart expressed his dream of breaking into the Celtic first team under Brendan Rodgers. “It’s always the dream to force my way into the Celtic first team,” he said back then, admiring the professionalism of Celtic defenders like Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata. Now, as a key player for Hearts, the irony of scoring two own goals against Rangers in a match that helped their rivals could not have been lost on him, especially considering his strong Celtic allegiances.

In the eyes of the Rangers faithful, having McCart—someone who grew up dreaming of playing for Celtic—play such a pivotal role in a victory for their side will likely sting. The bitterness of the situation is compounded by the fact that McCart’s own goals handed Rangers the three points they so desperately needed after a disappointing spell. Despite Celtic’s dominance and the sense of pride McCart likely feels in seeing his former club thrive, playing a part in securing a win for Rangers must have felt like a strange betrayal. However, this moment is symbolic of the greater issues facing Rangers as they attempt to find their way under Philippe Clement.

One of the biggest problems facing Clement and Rangers right now is the lack of a deep-rooted sense of identity and loyalty within the current squad. The club is missing that core of players who truly understand what it means to wear the Light Blue shirt and to carry the weight of the club’s history and expectations. There’s been a gradual erosion of players who “know what it takes” to represent Rangers at the highest level. In recent years, Celtic has consistently fielded players who understand the club’s values and would “run through brick walls” for the team, but Rangers are struggling to find that kind of passionate commitment within their own squad.

Players like John Souttar and Liam Kelly offer some local connection, with Kelly being a boyhood Rangers fan and Souttar having grown up in the club’s youth system. However, outside of a few players with such ties to the club, Rangers’ current squad is largely made up of individuals who are not as deeply connected to the club’s heritage and culture. This lack of a strong local core is a problem that could take years to rectify, but it is clear that Clement needs to instill a sense of pride and ownership in his players if the team is to fulfill their potential.

Rangers’ struggles in the transfer market further exacerbate this issue. The club’s inability to secure players with the passion and commitment they need is glaring. For example, players like Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson, who have excelled in Serie A, would have been the perfect additions to the Rangers squad, both from a technical and cultural standpoint. However, with those players now out of Rangers’ price range, the club finds itself stuck in a cycle of struggling to attract players who can make a real difference on the pitch. Gilmour, once a product of Rangers’ academy, has gone on to become a star at Serie A club Brighton, while Ferguson, who was also brought up through the Rangers system, is now making waves at Bologna.

Rangers did attempt to bring in other Scottish talent, such as Kenny McLean, but the club’s inability to secure such targets is a clear reflection of the difficulties they face in the transfer market. The fact that players like Oli McBurnie, who was available on a free transfer last summer, chose to join La Liga’s Las Palmas rather than a club like Rangers speaks volumes about the challenges Clement faces in rebuilding the squad.

If Rangers are to truly make a comeback and compete with Celtic for the top spot, they need to find a way to establish a core of players who genuinely understand what it means to play for the club. Rangers fans want players who are not just technically proficient, but also emotionally invested in the team and its legacy. The club’s current squad is in desperate need of this kind of core group, players who are not just mercenaries passing through but individuals who live and breathe Rangers.

There have been suggestions from figures like Nils Koppen about creating a “Scottish core” of players who fans can relate to. This is a sound idea, but it’s only effective if those players can deliver on the pitch. The key, however, lies not just in local talent but in creating a team ethos that can connect with the supporters. Rangers’ fans are known for their passion and loyalty, and for the club to truly succeed, they need to see that same passion reflected on the pitch.

In conclusion, Rangers’ 3-1 win over Hearts may have been a much-needed result, but it served as a stark reminder of the challenges that Philippe Clement is facing. The club needs to rebuild its squad, not just with talented players but with individuals who are emotionally invested in the club’s success. Only then will Rangers be able to regain their place at the top and challenge Celtic for dominance in Scottish football once again. For now, it’s clear that Clement has a long road ahead in trying to build a team that is not just technically capable but also deeply connected to the values that Rangers represent.