Philippe Clement has discussed, mildly, attacking midfielder Alex Lowry and his future at Rangers for the first time in many months by referring to his participation in the recent reserve match v Queens Park in order to get him minutes.

The match, a Glasgow Cup semi final, was the perfect opportunity for the playmaker and fellow recovering team mate Ryan Jack to get some movement in their legs, and this was touched upon by Clement who confirmed that Jack’s return was being slowly done and this match fit him well.

But it was the admission about Lowry that will raise the interest, with the attacker not available since January and his return from Hearts with that hidden injury that caused so much outrage in Govan circles.

Rangers hosted the cup semi at the Training Centre and won out 2-1 to secure a final berth, Lowry (and Jack) coming through unscathed was very welcome.

So what’s the significance?

Well, we just don’t know yet – Clement has been fairly clear Lowry isn’t part of his plans, expressing major disappointment that he couldn’t put him back out on loan due to the injury, but that was January.

Could Lowry have a second chance?

With so many reports claiming negative stories about his attitude and conduct, there has been a toxic vibe over the Auchenhowie graduate, but with Rangers’ options in the 10 position amounting to effectively Todd Cantwell and, at a push, Tom Lawrence, there might be scope for a surprise change of heart here.

If Lowry can perform with the youth and deliver on that, and show a good attitude with it, maybe Clement might revisit the idea of using him.

He’s only 20, it’s not like it’s last chance saloon, and if he can kick on now, maybe he’s FINALLY one for next season.

But then again maybe not.

Time will tell.