Philippe Clement reckons Rangers' Europa League last-16 tie against Benfica will be the first time his team has been underdogs in a match under his watch.

The Belgian has guided the Ibrox club to League Cup glory already in his five-month tenure. Last weekend, they also went top of the league after leapfrogging Celtic.

In December, Brendan Rodgers' side defeated Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead to maintain their unbeaten record against the Light Blues this season.

It was revealed this morning that Benfica would be the next big challenge for Clement in his time in Glasgow.

The first leg will take place in Lisbon on Thursday, March 7, with the return leg taking place at Ibrox a week later.

And the boss reckons it will be the first time since his arrival that Rangers are underdogs.

"It's a really exciting challenge," the 49-year-old said. "It's a very, very good team. I think it will be the first game since I've been here that we will be underdogs. That's the reality.

"But it doesn't mean we cannot qualify. We believe in our qualities and I think with the mentality that there is in this group now, that we can beat everybody.

"We need to be at our top form and you need to have luck also in key moments in the game."

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Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Premiership encounter against third-place Hearts, Clement also revealed that Todd Cantwell will be out of action for a few weeks.

The attacking midfielder has been in inspired form lately and has played a major role in Rangers' upturn in fortunes under Clement.

The manager said: "Todd Cantwell will be out for a few weeks which is disappointing but that is football. Kemar Roofe has trained this week and he will be in the squad.”