Rangers manager Philippe Clement claims Kieran Dowell still has time to prove himself at Ibrox.

The Belgian boss also claims that the summer signing from Norwich City is feeling the effect of positional competition in the middle of the

This comes after leading Rangers fan media partners Heart & Hand moved to cool suggestions Dowell has been told he can leave Ibrox just six months on from joining the Gers.

Comments on social media had suggested the Rangers insiders told a New Edmiston House event that Ridvan Yilmaz and Cyriel Dessers had also been told to find new clubs.

Philippe Clement talks Kieran Dowell

Philippe Clement was asked about the situation involving Kieran Dowell ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts.

The Michael Beale signing has spent a sizeable stint on the sidelines, only returning to the bench for Rangers in the 2-1 win over Hearts at Ibrox at the end of October.

Going on to feature for five minutes in the 5-0 thrashing of Dundee, this was Dowell’s first appearance since the 2-2 Champions League Playoff draw with PSV in August.

The ex-Norwich City star’s lack of minutes has turned a few heads as of late – with Tom Lawrence preferred in midfield against St Mirren – and the Rangers manager has responded to a question on the midfielder’s status.

“Kieran (Dowell) is training hard and doing his maximum every day,” said Clement.

“We have a lot of players and for sure in the position that he’s playing there’s a lot of competition.”

Asked if Dowell has a future at the club, Clement said: “Everybody has always a future in the club as long he’s in the club so, yes, for sure.”

As the player works himself back to full fitness, Kieran Dowell scored for the B Team in an SPFL Trust Trophy defeat to Airdrieonians for the Academy back in November.

No January exit decisions taken

Later in the press conference the Rangers manager would be asked about potential January exits.

Going on to expand around those comments on Kieran Dowell, Philippe Clement was asked about any players being asked to look for new sides.

Categorically clearing up the rumours over the weekend, the Ibrox boss claims there has no decision taken on any player and every member of the squad still has time to prove his worth.

“No (there have been no conversations around player exits),” said Clement. “First we need to make a good assessment about that.

“It’s not good, it’s not fair, it’s not honest to do it in six weeks. It’s really short term that we have to make decisions around that.

“Until January and even in January players have the time to prove themselves that they are the right men for the club or the right men for the position.

“So it’s an open battle in that way for them to show themselves.”

Kieran Dowell joined Rangers in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Carrow Road and he has gone on to make seven appearances for the club, scoring once.