Keith Jackson gives damning Cyriel Dessers verdict after Rangers Scottish Cup Final defeat

Rangers need an upgrade on forward Cyriel Dessers if they're to beat Celtic to Scottish Premiership and Cup glory next season, says Keith Jackson.

The Daily Record journalist said that the Gers cannot afford to go into next season with Dessers as their first-choice striker and must find a more prolific alternative to the Nigerian.

Dessers' 22 goals make him the club's top scorer this season, but Jackson believed he could and perhaps should have scored more, particularly after the 1-0 loss to Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.

Jackson said: "Dessers tries his best but consistently comes up short.

"Rangers won’t win the title next season if he’s Philippe Clement’s first pick No.9."

Rangers need to be ruthless in striker hunt

Dessers has been called out previously this season for lacking ruthlessness in front of goal, and amidst a huge summer rebuild, addressing this issue is key for Philippe Clement's side.

The Gers' summer business is already underway with the imminent signings of two defenders and a goalkeeper, but up at the other end of the pitch, Clement must find the right man to play alongside or instead of Dessers at number nine.

Players like the currently injured Danilo and Utrecht loanee Sam Lammers could return to the fray, but signing a player like Lawrence Shankland, who deservedly won Scotland's Player of the Year award, would make a huge statement.

Clement's record against Celtic now reads four matches, three defeats and zero wins after that last-gasp Scottish Cup final loss on 25 May, and if the Belgian wants to take his Rangers side above and beyond their Old Firm rivals next season, adding more goals to his forward line is going to be the answer.

In other Rangers news, another first-team player is now set to seal Ibrox as the summer exodus continues.

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