Tom English reacts to Cyriel Dessers developments at Rangers for BBC
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has had plenty of criticism this season, but Tom English believes that some comments have been “harsh” given his scoring record.
The BBC journalist interviewed the Nigeria international ahead of the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic on 25 May and showcased some stats to suggest he’s not been as profligate in front of goal as some critics suggest.
Dessers has struck 22 times in all competitions during his maiden season at Ibrox, but some key misses in big games have drawn the ire of fans and pundits alike.
English wrote: “Dessers has not been the dead-eye striker Rangers needed, but the flak seems particularly heavy – understandable, but harsh.
“He has had more all-competition goal involvements this season than Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi; a better shots-to-goal ratio in the league than Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski.”
Dessers can finally silence Rangers critics in Cup final
Rangers have just one match left to play this season, and it’s a rather important one at that: the Scottish Cup Final, where they’ll play Old Firm rivals Celtic at Hampden Park.
It’s the first time in 22 years that the Gers have faced their Glasgow rivals in a Scottish Cup decider, and after Dessers scored the two goals that took Rangers past Hearts in the last four, Saturday’s match could be the moment he puts any doubts over his ability to rest.
Dessers has three goals in as many Scottish Cup appearances this season and will hope he can continue that form going into this weekend’s Old Firm clash.
The 29-year-old has also been in scoring form against Celtic this season too – doing so on 11 May just seconds after a John Lundstram own goal had given the Hoops a 2-0 lead at Parkhead.
22 goals may not be enough to satisfy everyone hoping for victory on the blue side of Glasgow but the fact is Rangers would not be where they are without Dessers’ goals.
Where they are is Hampden Park, against Celtic, and if the Nigerian is firing up front for the Gers, he could well steer them to Scottish Cup glory.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been tipped to axe Ross McCausland for the Old Firm clash with Celtic at Hampden Park
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.