Clement must ‘be honest’ about Europe – Bell

Cammy Bell believes Philippe Clement must “be honest” in his approach after the Rangers manager said it’s “not a disgrace” if the club failed to reach the Champions League group stage.

Demotion to the Europa League would result in a huge loss in financial rewards, something that would only further the gap between the Govan side and their city rivals Celtic, according to Bell who was speaking to the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.

“He’s almost just covering himself a little bit, knowing that this is such a tricky tie… You’ve got to just be honest.

“Come out and say, look, this is such a difficult tie but we want to progress, we want to be in the Champions League, because that’s where Rangers need to be.

“I think Celtic are further ahead with the strength and depth they’ve got in the squad, but that’s dictated by finances. Rangers can’t bring in the quality players because they don’t have the money. “

Rangers face Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League third qualifying round tonight in Lublin.

“[The potential Champions League money] is massive,” Bell added.

“It’s a huge game in the season of Rangers Football Club and also for the manager because you don’t want any more negativity festering around the club at the moment because there’s been so much pre-season.

“With the stadium, with players wanting to leave, some players not yet left, not as many players as the fans wanted coming in, it’s been a really negative start for Rangers.”