Michael Stewart tells Rangers they need summer upgrade on Cyriel Dessers
Michael Stewart believes Rangers must find an attacking upgrade for Cyriel Dessers this summer despite the forward scoring against St Mirren on Sunday (28 April).
The 29-year-old headed home in the 74th minute to help the Gers claim all three points at The SMISA Stadium, marking his 20th goal of the campaign in all competitions.
Dessers struggled to adapt to the Scottish Premiership under Michael Beale after a £4.3million move last summer but has discovered some form since the appointment of Philippe Clement. [BBC Sport]
But, despite making it 20 goals in all competitions, Stewart thinks Rangers need a better centre-forward option to lead the line.
Speaking live via Sportscene on Sunday (28 April, 7:44pm), Stewart said: “To answer the question, title-winning centre-forward? Well, time will tell if he gets his hands on the trophy or not.
“I still think for Rangers, they need somebody that’s better up there. Yes, he’s banged in 20 goals this season but with his all-round play, I’ll be looking for more from a centre-forward playing for Rangers.
“The number of chances the team create as well, I think it’s an area that Philippe Clement will be looking to improve in the summer.
“As much as you can talk about the stats for Dessers, goals he’s scored, I think his all-round game needs to be better and I do think that somebody who is a higher calibre would be scoring more goals.”
Will Rangers replace Cyriel Dessers next season?
While Dessers has been a good option for Clement in attack, his all-round play does leave a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to teams that are harder to break down.
Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland is a much-loved figure at Ibrox, and there is a feeling that Rangers might again look to bring him in during the summer transfer window, especially with just a year left on his contract.
Dessers has certainly earned respect among the Ibrox faithful since Clement came into the club, but it is unlikely to save him from becoming a back-up for Rangers.
If the Gers want to become a club that can regularly challenge for the Scottish Premiership, as well as European titles, they must find an out-and-out striker who will fire Rangers to glory.
It would be difficult to see the Nigeria international leave Ibrox this summer, though if Clement does bring in another forward, he may grow frustrated if he were to be relegated to a back-up option.
In other Rangers news, another star man could be allowed to leave for around £4million this summer.
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