I'm not bothered about the past...it's about now & I feel something special in this group of players

Clement excited about Gers' growing potential

- ANDY NEWPORT

THE Avenida de la Palmera that stretches past the Estadio Benito Villamarin is lined on both sides by vivid orange trees in full bloom.

The picturesque setting could not be more fitting for a Rangers side about to embark on a vital week they hope will bear substantial fruit.

It's not so long since the streets back in Glasgow dotted around Ibrox were drained of all confidence in this team.

The notion that they were capable of plucking anything from the bunch of prizes on offer this season looked far-fetched as they slipped on banana skin after banana skin.

But thanks to Philippe Clement's careful cultivation since he was called in to replace Michael Beale two months ago, there are green shoots of recovery emerging.

The fruits of their labour could yet be juicy. Win tonight against Real Betis in Seville and they will be into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Back it up on Sunday against Aberdeen and there will be Viaplay Cup glory to lap up at Hampden.

And if they can maintain their resurgence under the Belgian all the way to their Old Firm date at Celtic Park on December 30, there may just be a second bite at the cherry where the Premiership title race is concerned.

All Clement's side have to do is continue planting seeds of success.

The Ibrox boss said: "I feel something special in the group. I feel there is a really good dynamic.