Rangers: Cyriel Dessers faces Ibrox ‘last chance saloon’ ahead of Celtic Old Firm showdown
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers is facing the “last chance saloon” if he starts for Philippe Clement’s side against Celtic, according to Stevie Clifford.
The Nigerian centre-forward has been a divisive figure since arriving at Ibrox in the summer but has improved under the Belgian, scoring 12 goals and laying on a further two assists for teammates in 26 Premiership starts.
Whilst Four Lads Had A Dream host Clifford believes the 29-year-old is capable of leading the line against the Hoops, he thinks time is running out for Dessers to show he can be the Gers’ striker in the biggest games.
Speaking on The Rangers Review YouTube channel (29 March, 14:00) he said: “If he does get the nod against Celtic and it doesn’t work out, I think in the eyes of many supporters who are still kind of holding a torch for him and giving him a wee bit of leeway, I think this is last chance saloon for him.
“It’s a big time not only for Dessers but for a lot of players. He is capable though.”
Will Cyriel Dessers start for Rangers and Philippe Clement against Celtic?
As Clifford suggested, there have been signs under Clement that Dessers has what it takes to be a consistent striker in the Premiership, but too often the Nigerian spurs big chances especially in the biggest games of the season.
At Parkhead, he failed to even get a shot away that could well have seen the Light Blues claim all three points in the Old Firm derby and against Benfica at Ibrox he barely even had a meaningful touch of the ball.
Injuries to Danilo and Kemar Roofe have meant that the 29-year-old has been afforded plenty of opportunities, but with the summer transfer window around the corner, time is running out for Dessers to show he can be the Gers’ main man.
Hopefully, he will finally break his duck against Brendan Rodgers’ side at Ibrox on Sunday (7 April) otherwise more pressure will continue to mount on the forward between now and the end of the season.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are doing “as much as they can” to tie John Lundstram down to a new deal
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.