'You saw the reaction at Man Utd' - Rangers manager explains why Dessers started against Dundee United

Speaking after his side's 3-1 win against Dundee United in a Scottish Premiership encounter at Tannadice Park on Sunday afternoon, Rangers manager Philippe Clement explained why he handed a starting berth to Cyriel Dessers.

Despite speculation linking him with a departure from Ibrox in the January transfer window, the Nigeria national teamer continues to deliver the goods, having netted in four consecutive matches.

Rangers closed the gap on leaders Celtic to ten points after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Dundee United, with Dessers putting his name on the scoresheet in the 86th minute. 

It was around the same time that the Nigerian netted an outstanding equalizer in a Europa League clash with Manchester United last Thursday, only for Bruno Fernandes to score a very late winner that broke Rangers' hearts.

Since the start of December, Dessers has been playing second fiddle to Moroccan forward Hamza Igamane, but his impressive form off the bench made it impossible for Clement to overlook him for the clash with Dundee United.

When asked if he was happy with Dessers' goal today and whether the striker got his reward, Clement said to Rangers TV: "Of course for him and you saw the reaction after the game at Manchester United. I spoke with them before the game that those are the moments you can become heroes.

"Cyriel felt it that way, scoring the 1-1 and he was waiting already few weeks to get chances or more minutes but that's normal.

“He kept on working hard and with the right mentality, that's why I also started him today with Hamza, because he deserved it and he took also the moment.”

Dessers has tallied eighteen goals in thirty-five all competition appearances so far this season, while registering five assists. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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