Cyriel Dessers with his match ball after scoring a hat-trick against Fraserburgh. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
Former Rangers and Scotland striker, Kris Boyd, has warned Philippe Clement against the sale of Nigerian striker, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 30-year-old has largely been shilly-shally in his time at the Scottish Capital and has been linked with an exit since the January transfer window opened.
Dessers lost his place in the Gers’ starting lineup to Moroccan U-23 striker, Hamza Igamane since the end of November, but in recent weeks, the Super Eagles striker has proven his status in Rangers team.
In the past week, the former Cremonese striker has scored four goals in two games, and Kris Boyd believes Dessers’ exit will cost Philippe Clement in the long run.
“I don’t agree with that at all. If Philippe Clement wants success between now and the end of May, he should fight to keep him. The Nigerian international turns up for his work every single day, he’s always available and he scores goals — 17 of them so far this season. Do not underestimate how important that is for this squad,” the former Nottingham Forest striker wrote in his column as revealed by the Scottish Sun.
“Rangers need to be careful, though. With Danilo injured again, Clement only has Hamza Igamane and Dessers as first-team strikers. The Moroccan has massive potential and has emerged as an important player for Clement in recent months,” the former Scotland striker added.
While Boyd praised Igamane, he highlighted the Moroccan’s lack of experience might cost Rangers if they let Dessers go.
“Igamane has a lovely touch, he links the play and he uses the ball well, but he is young and still has so much to learn. For me, he also needs to offer more when he’s inside the box. That’s me speaking as a former No 9 who knows what it’s like to play in an Old Firm team that creates a lot of chances.
“Dessers has been coming off the bench recently but he still continues to find the net. He’s well on his way to surpassing last season’s tally of 22 [goals]. There will be interest in Dessers. We’ve already seen half a dozen struggling Italian clubs linked with him.”
“Dessers can play an important role between now and the end of the season, especially when Rangers are starting to blood more kids. I’ve had my say this season on Clement’s dubious claims about him having a young team — but against United it certainly was.
“Seeing Rice and Findlay Curtis being thrown into such a big game was refreshing and I hope that trend continues over the next few months. Yet Clement will also need old heads around them, especially in tough away tests like Tannadice, and Dessers can help, especially as his physicality might be needed.”
Rangers need a win in their final UEFA Europa League group phase game if they’re to stand a chance of directly qualifying for the knock-out stage. They take on Union Saint-Gilloise next week Thursday.