Philippe Clement expecting 'super-motivated' Hearts at Tynecastle
Philippe Clement believes Hearts will be "super-motivated" to beat his Rangers side at the third time of asking this season on Wednesday night.
The Light Blues defeated Hearts 2-1 in the cinch Premiership at Ibrox in October before a 3-1 win over Steven Naismith's men in the Viaplay Cup semi-final at Hampden Park the following week.
The Belgian boss, who is unbeaten in his first 10 games as Gers manager with his side sitting eight points behind league leaders Celtic having played a game less, is ready for a Tynecastle test.
"Of course we beat them in two games," said Clement.
"It is a little bit special, it is my 11th game and it is the third game against the same opponent.
"Twice we have had to be on our toes to reach a good level to beat them.
"They are a good team, good organisation, good attacking players.
"What I hear and read about this game, they are super-motivated to beat us.
"I don't read everything but people tell me a lot of things and it was clear the things they put in the press.
"It is a good team with a coach with a history with Rangers so he is also extra-motivated in that way, so we know it is going to be a big challenge for us going there."
Clement revealed midfielder Nico Raskin will remain sidelined "a little bit longer" after changing his rehab programme for an ankle problem which likely rules him out of the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen on December 17. Raskin sustained the injury against Hearts on October 29.
The former Monaco and Club Brugge manager, speaking before Rangers' AGM, said of his fellow Belgian: "It will be a little bit longer than everyone at the club hoped for.
"It will take a little bit more time to be fit. A little adaption to what he is doing already
"Everybody is working really hard with him, from the medical staff and they are doing their maximum but sometimes these things happen."
Clement will be looking to make changes to his squad in the January transfer window but nothing wholesale.
He said: "Of course, reshaping it in January is much more difficult than reshaping it in the summer. That is the reality for everyone in football so I am realistic.
"The idea is to do somethings but not a lot of things- it needs to be the right things."
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