Philippe Clement remedies Rangers handshake snub as boss seeks out Don Cowie after storming down tunnel

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Philippe Clement has explained his reasoning behind not immediately shaking hands with Ross County boss Don Cowie following his side's shock 3-2 defeat in Dingwall.A calamitous second half saw the Light Blues squander an early lead and concede three goals to consign them to a second league defeat in the last four matches - and a crucial blow in their Premiership title tilt.

The loss has left Rangers trailing rivals Celtic by four points in second place, although they will have the chance to reduce the defect when they take on Dundee in their game in hand on Wednesday night.Belgian boss Clement didn't embrace his opposite number Cowie immediately after the full-time whistle, and only returned to shake the former Scotland international's hand before the pair's post-match debriefs.

However, the 50-year-old has insisted they was no disrespect intended behind the snub and says he had quickly sprinted down the tunnel to console his dejected players minutes after the dismal defeat.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I do that sometimes (go straight up the tunnel) but there wasn’t too much to celebrate so I was there to say the right words to my team in the dressing room."The Sky Sports cameras then captured the moment that Clement returned to the touchline to congratulate rookie boss Cowie, who has led his team to within a single point of safety from the relegation play-off zone with a priceless and well-earned win against the Gers.Former Hearts star John Robertson was on commentary duty for the BBC in Dingwall, and noticed Clement's gesture, describing it as a "nice touch".