Philippe Clement has explained the decision to drop James Tavernier from his Rangers starting XI tonight.

The Scottish Premiership side matched their Greek foes Olympiacos to earn a 1-1 draw in the Europa League.

Dujon Sterling started in the right-back berth for Rangers in Athens, although, the captain did come on with a little over five minutes to go.

The manager insists it was not a straight-forward decision, but it was one that was needed for the greater good of the team.

"That’s never an easy decision but I want more than one captain in the group," the Belgian responded. "Also, if you come to a certain age, you cannot play 60 games anymore at the same level. So, that's normal. 

"We knew that before the season. We talked about that before the season also. Tav is just a captain. He will continue like that and he will play more games this season. 

"It's about competition for the spots for everybody. It's not about one player or one ego or one thing. It's about one team. It's about winning together. And he showed it also. 

"Now, in the last couple of weeks also, by playing in a higher position in moments and doing the job for the team. 

"So, that's what I expect. That's Rangers. One team, one family. Everybody going for one thing."

Rangers up on seven points in the league phase of UEFA's secondary club competition with the draw. 

With games against Nice, Tottenham, Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise to follow, Clement insists he and his players will no settle for anything other than winning.

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He said: "For those who know me well. Because some of you may know me very well. I never settle about things.

"I don't put goals also before the games because that means that you start to calculate that against certain teams you cannot get points. It's impossible. I don't believe in that.

"I've seen enough when I was a player or a manager. That miracles are possible If you go for it.

"So we will go for that the next month against these really big teams. So I think we are on track. In that way.

"To take these seven points. I hoped it was nine. I think it was possible today. We had the chance to win this game. So in that part the disappointment is there. But it's not about calculating.

"It's the next couple of months. To dig in every time in these European games. And make it a special night.

"In that way I need to give praise also to the fans who were here today. Because we came here one hour and a half before the game and they were already singing.

"Creating a very positive atmosphere. During the game, after the game and it gives a lot of energy to my team also. So I'm very happy to see that also."