Pete Hanson

Sat 9 December 2023 9:10, UK

It is fair to say it has not really worked out for Cyriel Dessers since he joined Rangers from Cremonese in the summer transfer window.

The striker has just six goals in all competitions for the Light Blues and is one of a number of the nine signings made by Michael Beale in the summer to have struggled to make an impact.

Dessers was overlooked for the starting line-up for the midweek 1-0 victory over Hearts as well, with Danilo favoured by Philippe Clement to lead the line.

But one person’s misfortune is another’s opportunity and so it is the case for Dessers and Clement provided an update on Friday (8 December).

Speaking at a news conference in quotes reported by the Rangers Review, Clement said: “Danilo will also be out, a problem with his knee after a tackle during the game. There may be a chance of surgery.

“Our focus is now on the guys who are fit for big matches coming up in the next few weeks. We are creating chances, and keeping clean sheets.

“It’s now on others to show they are ready. Kemar (Roofe) is coming back from an injury also so we need to take that into account and just throw him back into the pitch.”

With Danilo, who had only just returned from a broken cheekbone sustained in September that saw him miss nine games, once more unavailable, Kemar Roofe’s own fitness record sketchy at best, and Sam Lammers not really an out-and-out striker, the onus is likely to fall on Dessers to provide the goal threat.

So far he has not really proven with any conviction that he can be a sustained threat in front of goal.

But now there is a clear opportunity for him to turn around the court of public opinion. If he fails to do that, then the likelihood is Clement will want to explore the transfer market in January.

It’s over to you now, Cyriel.

In other Rangers news, one senior figure has left Ibrox it was announced on Friday.