Cyriel Dessers’ future at Rangers remains uncertain – but the striker shared a unique moment with the Union Bears at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement introduced the striker from the bench late on against Aberdeen and he showed calmness and composure as he slotted beyond Ross Doohan deep into added time to add the Light Blues’ third of the night after strikes from Hamza Igamane and the returning Leon Balogun to make it back to back home wins in the space of a couple of days – and to extend that near flawless record in Govan which now stands at 11 wins and one draw.
Footage after the game shared online shows Dessers make his way over the ultras section as he engages in a chat with one punter. Loud claps and appreciation for the hitman can be heard in the clip and it was a significant departure from the ultras group after they walked out early against St Johnstone at the weekend.
As for Dessers, his relationship with the fans has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Frustrations have boiled over at times due to missing big chances at key moments or taking extra touches when he should shoot. But it was a unique moment for the striker – and one he will no doubt be delighted with – as talk over his future continues.
He’s been linked with La Liga minnows Leganes while the likes of Saint-Etienne, Cagliari and Empoli have all been floated as potential destinations in this window for the man who is now behind Danilo and Igamane in the pecking order.
Kris Boyd reckons his situation is a conundrum for manager Clement while Celtic hero and fellow pundit Chris Sutton reckons the Belgian boss WON’T be in a hurry to push him out the exit door. Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd said: “He’s obviously been linked with moves away in January. That will do his confidence the world of good.
“When you look at Dessers he’s went from first choice to now third. There is no way of getting away from it. He might have jumped back up to second. I think Igamane is ahead of him now. He’s at an age he wants to play football and we all know Rangers will probably want to get money in to strengthen in other positions.
“I don’t know. It is a conundrum that one. He doesn’t seem to be one with a bad attitude. He trains properly, he’s come on and got himself a goal. I don’t know.”
Sutton added: “I think the point you make, if they can strengthen in other areas. But I don’t think Philippe Clement will be in a rush to get him out the door.”