Rod Stewart leaps to Philippe Clement Rangers defence as Celtic diehard blasts squad who 'let manager down'

Rod Stewart has emerged as the most the unlikely defender of Rangers boss Philippe Clement after their goalless draw with Dundee last night.

The Celtic diehard supporter was quick to leap to the Belgian's aid as he suggested it's the players who have let their boss down in their most recent performances as they look to let the league title chance slip through their fingers. Gers drew with Celtic at Ibrox before losing to Ross County, then they could only muster one point from their game in hand to remain three behind their rivals with no extra games left.

Rocker Stewart feels the race is not yet over as his beloved Hoops do still have difficult games to navigate. But he does reckon Celts have their rivals on the ropes.

"I was stunned," he said on talkSPORT. "I watched the whole match and obviously wanted Rangers to come unstuck, but I never dreamt in a million years that they would. They looked very lethargic.

"Mind you, it's not ever yet. We've got to play Hearts, we've got to play Kilmarnock and they've caused us trouble. But I really didn't expect them to come unstuck. But it can all turn around. There's only three points in it. Goal difference is pretty good now but anything can happen. Hearts have given us problems and they will again. Hopefully they give Rangers problems on Sunday!"

Asked if he initially feared that Clement may have been the manager to succeed at Rangers, Stewart added: "I did, and I still think he's got it right. I hate to say it but I think the players have let him down somewhat. They looked tired and they lacked width. They don't seem to have any great wingers like Celtic do."

"It would appear that way," he added when asked if the derby on May 11 could be pivotal, "especially as we've got them at Celtic Park and it will be a sell-out crowd with a pretty intimidating atmosphere. We went to Ibrox and I thought we were superb in the first half. Then Rangers were superb in the second half so again, it's not all over."