Dan Carter

Mon 1 January 2024 11:10, UK

Keith Jackson has slammed “serial offender” Cyriel Dessers for his performance against Celtic as part of a new plea urging Rangers to sign Lawrence Shankland in January.

The much-maligned forward wasted several excellent chances as Philippe Clement’s side lost the second Old Firm derby of the Scottish Premiership campaign 2-1 at Celtic Park on Saturday 30 December.

Rangers supporters and pundits have been vocal in their frustration with Dessers and Daily Record journalist Jackson believes that Saturday’s performance should push Rangers to move for Hearts striker Shankland.

Writing for the Daily Record on Monday (1 January) he said: “Let’s be blunt, Cyriel is a serial offender in that particular department which is precisely why Clement cannot hope to put up a title fight from here on in without beefing up his attacking options this month.

“The arrival on loan of Wolves striker Fabio Silva might improve things for the short term at least. But Clement should also be asking his board to pick up the phone to Hearts and, at the very least, ask how much would be required to secure the services of Lawrence Shankland.

“Clement can’t afford to cross his fingers and hope for the best while waiting to discover if Silva might suddenly come of age here in Scotland after being farmed out previously to clubs in Belgium and Holland.

“It could be, of course, that Rangers don’t have the funds required to tempt Hearts into doing business. But it’s a discussion which should be taking place nonetheless.”

Serial offender

So often this season, Rangers have almost been playing with 10 men on the pitch as Dessers has been unable to integrate himself into play, often looking like a spare part lost at the top end of the field.

The Old Firm derby on Saturday was a clear example of this as the Nigerian forward barely got involved in proceedings and when he did, he spurned the Gers’ best chance of the clash as he failed to shoot despite being given the freedom of Celtic’s penalty area.

Rangers need a new number nine through the door and they need them quickly, otherwise, they can kiss their hopes of winning the Scottish Premiership goodbye already. Jackson is right to suggest that John Bennett should already be on the phone with Hearts discussing Shankland.

Relying on Dessers has been a naive call from those in charge at Ibrox, but placing their faith in Silva alone this January may be an even worse call. Rangers must enquire about Shankland.

In other Rangers news, the Gers want to complete a permanent move for Abdallah Sima despite a “severe” situation at Brighton