Ally McCoist lauds 'evident' Philippe Clement impact after Rangers seal last-day group win at Real Betis

Ally McCoist has praised Rangers manager Philippe Clement for his "evident" impact at the club after his team booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday.

Rangers secured a thrilling 3-2 win at Real Betis in their final group stage match and finished in top spot to seal qualification into the knockout rounds.

The Scottish giants headed into the game in third place and knew they needed a win to guarantee finishing first.

The visitors got off to the perfect start with Abdallah Sima opening the scoring inside 10 minutes.

However, Betis hit back four minutes later with a fine strike from Juan Miranda.

Rangers went ahead again six minutes later following a fine solo effort from Cyriel Dessers but ex-Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez made it 2-2 before the break.

With 12 minutes remaining, substitute Kemar Roofe grabbed the winner to earn Rangers a historic win - it was the first time in the club's history that they won away to a Spanish side.

Speaking after the game, Rangers legend McCoist urged the club to back Clement in the January transfer market.

"I'm a firm believer that you can only judge a manager or a coach when he's got his own team on the pitch," he told TNT Sports.

"I think that Philippe Clement deserves to bring one or two players in that he wants to get.

"They dropped five points against a team that are bottom of the group and they could've been home and dry.

"But the difference in Rangers since he's come is evident. I still think they've got a good bit to go and I still think they'll play better.

"There's a bit of resolve about them, a bit of steel about them. You could see that there was an organisation, a desire and a bit of steel.

"At this moment in time, Philippe Clement has got to be very pleased and I think he will be supported in the transfer market."

TNT pundit Owen Hargreaves was also impressed with Rangers' result and praised Clement.

"I think a performance like that and a result like that will give them so much belief going forward," he said.

"They're flying obviously and the manager has had a huge impact on the side."

Clement was appointed Rangers manager in October following the sacking of previous manager Michael Beale.

Since his arrival, Rangers have been unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions and have won their last four matches.

Clement's side sit five points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand and face Aberdeen in the League Cup final on Sunday.

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