Scott Brown has responded to Philippe Clement's claim that he doesn't like Rangers, insisting he's got 'a lot of love' for the Ibrox club.

The former Celtic captain is now in charge of Ayr United.

The ex-Fleetwood manager took over from Lee Bullen at the Championship club a fortnight ago as they strive to stave off the threat of relegation to League One.

He's been thrust in at the deep end though, as fate would have it that one of his first few games would see Broony return to Ibrox for the first time as a manager.

Rangers host the Honest Men on Scottish Cup fifth-round duty this Saturday.

And while Clement may have done his research on Brown's rivalry with his team, the former midfielder insists his view is off.

"I've got a lot of love for Rangers," the 38-year-old cheekily said. "As I said, it's all in the past now.

"Yes, we are the underdogs, we know that, but there's also been a lot of cup upsets as well and I've been part of them. I know Rangers will be focussed but we need to make sure we're focussed as well.

"As long as I don't rise to anything then we should be okay."

READ MORE: Simon Jordan offers stark Rangers & Celtic manager view

Clement made his comments following Rangers' 2-1 victory over Aberdeen last night, which saw them go level on points with Celtic at the summit of the Premiership. 

The Belgian has wiped out the seven-point lead Brendan Rodgers' champions had over the Ibrox club upon his arrival to Glasgow in October.

He told Rangers TV: "I'm looking forward to the weekend fixture, yeah, of course.

"Again a challenge in a competition where it is in or out against a manager that doesn't really like Rangers. So it is going to be an interesting game to play."