New Rangers signing Clinton Nsiala has revealed Philippe Clement's coaching was a huge factor in deciding to move to Ibrox.
The defender - signed from AC Milan - had been tracked by a host of clubs in Italy, France and Germany before making the switch to Rangers.
In his first interview since arriving in Glasgow, Nsiala explained Clement's willingness to trust youth players made his mind up on a transfer move to Rangers.
"I know he [the manager] coached at Monaco, as well as in the Belgian league," said the 20-year-old. "He always puts a lot of faith in young players. As a young player, that was a big factor for me in my decision to come to Glasgow.
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“It helps to have a coach like Philippe Clement. He gives a lot of support to young players, and that doesn’t make it feel like a big step.
"Having a coach like that will help me progress, so I’m not focused on the step up from academy to senior level.”
Confident Nsiala then vowed he wouldn't be overawed by his new surroundings or struggle to settle at a new club as he admitted his excitement to get started at Rangers.
“Being an elite athlete, it’s normal to experience different environments, to move to different countries and travel to different continents frequently,” Nsiala told RangersTV. “I don’t see it as an obstacle, it’s just part of the job.
“As a player my qualities are technique, aggression and anticipation. I started playing football when I was six-years-old at CPB Brequigny in my hometown of Rennes. After that I moved to FC Nantes, then I signed for AC Milan, where I spent three seasons. And now today I’m at Rangers.
“I had some unforgettable experiences [at AC Milan], particularly the first time I was in a matchday squad was in the Champions League against Newcastle. Those are moments I’ll never forget. I was in the squad for Europa League and Serie A games too. Being up close to players like that every day in training taught me about the demands expected at that level.
“Technically, everyone is at more or less the same level. But what makes the difference is the demands you place on yourself, whether that’s on an individual or a team level. Being here just now makes me so excited.
“Excited, but also calm and always humble. But I’m really excited to get to know the staff, the atmosphere, the players, and the fans too. I am so excited all round, but I’m staying calm and humble too.”
