'Has been phenomenal' - Barry Ferguson hails milestone man Dessers after 50th goal for Rangers

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson has lavished praise on Cyriel Dessers after the striker played a pivotal role in the club’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United, sealing their final home game of the season with a commanding performance. 

The Nigerian forward netted a brace, including a crucial penalty, to help Rangers come from behind at Ibrox. 

Nico Raskin added the third to complete the turnaround. The result brought Ferguson a satisfying end to Rangers’ home fixtures and continued his positive impact since taking charge.

Speaking to RangersTV, Ferguson expressed delight not only with the win but also with Dessers’ contribution.

"He comes in for unfair criticism in my opinion. One thing about him is he always gives 100 per cent and his goal return this season has been phenomenal,” he said.

Dessers’ brace took his season tally to 28 goals, and his successful penalty also marked his 50th goal for the club in just his second season. 

Ferguson acknowledged the milestone with admiration: "I am delighted for him. I’m sure he’ll want me to start him on Saturday so he can hopefully get one or two more.”

Unusually, club captain James Tavernier opted to let Dessers take the penalty, a decision Ferguson admitted caught him off guard. 

"I was a bit surprised. Normally Tav steps up and puts those in the back of the net but fair play to him. 

"He understands that it means a lot to Cyriel, but I was just thinking to myself he better score – and thankfully he did."

With one game remaining in the season, Dessers will hope to build on his form and finish on a high — with the backing of a manager who clearly values his efforts on and off the ball.

Wale Adejumo

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