Stephan Van Der Heyden’s appointment represents a significant risk for Philippe Clement at Rangers.

Philippe Clement has a lot of hard work ahead of him as Rangers manager, but he has quickly brought in someone to help him out.

As per the official Rangers website (20 October), Stephan Van Der Heyden has joined the coaching staff as assistant manager.

He will undoubtedly play a key role as the Ibrox outfit look to close the gap on Celtic in the coming months, as well as enjoy successful cup runs.

And while it is a sensible decision to bring in someone Clement has known “for a long time,” official Rangers website (20 October), there is still an element of risk involved.

That risk focuses on how the new boss has never worked in a manager-assistant role with his compatriot, according to the Daily Record (20 October).

A fantastic chemistry between the two will be needed in the Ibrox dugout, and their shared Belgian heritage will definitely help in that regard.

But their tactics and philosophies must also be aligned if Clement is to avoid the same fate as the recently sacked Michael Beale.

The latter endured too many disappointing results in the early stages of the new season, with his transfer strategy proving particularly damaging.

Perhaps this is an area in which Van Der Heyden can also help his manager, particularly given the absence of a sporting director at Ibrox, although that issue may be resolved shortly.

First and foremost, the assistant’s role will be to help Clement with the current squad, with the duo needing to get the players into the best possible shape to launch a Scottish Premiership title charge.