'January dealings will determine Clement's future at Ibrox'

While there is rarely a dull moment when it comes to the affairs of Rangers Football Club, the month ahead - on-field and off-field - could be worth getting the popcorn in for.

It started in typically unpredictable fashion with the fabulous win over Celtic being followed by another away-day slip-up at Easter Road, with Philippe Clement's side showing just how good and how fragile they can be over the course of those two games.

It was the results immediately prior to the Celtic game against St Mirren and Motherwell that had Clement's critics renewing their calls for the Belgian to be replaced. In the minds of some, he is beyond redemption.

While some of his selections and comments can justifiably be questioned, it is unfair to overlook some of the more positive aspects of his management, with the European performances a particular highlight, and I will also return to a previously-raised question of how progress can ever be made by continually discarding managers.

Assuming he has the trust of new chief executive Patrick Stewart and chairman Fraser Thornton, Clement and technical director Nils Koppen have a hugely important few weeks ahead as they look to try to strengthen the squad for the short and longer-term within the parameters of the finances available to them.

A few rabbits are going to have to be plucked from hats if they are to narrow the gap on Celtic and put together a side that can not only better their rivals in a one-off game but achieve a similar consistency over the course of a season.

They will have to try to move on some of the club's peripheral figures - easier said than done - to generate the cash required to invigorate the squad and allow Clement the opportunity to show that with his own players, he can demonstrate progress and win over the naysayers.

Improved domestic results, principally away from home are a must, starting at Dundee on Thursday before attentions turn later in the month to two massive European nights at Old Trafford and at Ibrox against Union St Gilloise when their Europa League destiny will be decided.

By then, Clement will have fine-tuned the squad that will serve him for the rest of the season and the one whose success will determine his own future at the club.