Philippe Clement confirms talented 20-year-old will leave Rangers this

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has confirmed that Alex Lowry will be sent back out on loan this January.

The Belgian manager was speaking after Hearts sent the 20-year-old attacking midfielder back to Rangers after six months away from Ibrox

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Hibs, Philippe Clement was also clear that the decision to bring Alex Lowry back to Glasgow was not taken by Rangers.

It comes after the Rangers boss also confirmed that Lowry’s fellow Academy graduate Robby McCrorie would not be leaving the club this January.

Philippe Clement on Alex Lowry

Philippe Clement was asked about the situation with Alex Lowry following the midfielder’s return to the club from Hearts.

The Jambos looks set reinforce their squad by signing Charlton star Scott Fraser on loan, with there adjudged to be no space for Alex Lowry in Steven Naismith’s squad for the second half of the season.

“The clear plan with Alex is that we want him to go on loan again to get minutes,” said Clement.

“That’s the plan with him because in the squad that there is now it’s going to be difficult for him to take minutes and was a clear plan for one year to take minutes and to take experience and to become stronger. To come back in a good way and then to make a good assessment in the summer.”

Alex Lowry made 17 appearances for Hearts this season, scoring once and laying on four assists.

Time running out for Rangers talent

It’s clear that Alex Lowry is not part of Philippe Clement’s plans for the squad this season and it looks an increasingly long way back for the Rangers talent.

Once amongst the brightest young players coming out of the Academy, an injury sustained before the start of last season hampered Lowry’s development.

Rangers then opted to send Alex Lowry out on loan this season to a competitive Hearts side but he’s been unable to establish himself as a key player for the Edinburgh club.