Rangers to sign striker before deadline to take Cyriel Dessers place after Hearts stalemate

Cyriel Dessers won’t get the chance to score more than 20 goals this season because Rangers will sign a striker to play ahead of him, says Tam McManus.

 

The former Hibs forward responded on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show on 5 August after fellow pundit Alan Rough claimed the Nigerian international would again reach that milestone for the Light Blues this term, having registered 22 in all competitions last term.

Dessers led the line for Philippe Clement in the 0-0 draw at Hearts in the opening game on 3 August and went closest to scoring for the Gers with a header which was deflected onto the frame of the goal.

 

The game came amid summer-long speculation that a new senior forward will arrive at the club, potentially opposite number Lawrence Shankland [Daily Record, 2 August] and McManus believes someone will arrive before the deadline.

 

Rangers ace and Lawrence Shankland draw blanks in Hearts draw

Dessers was arguably unlucky not to be the match-winner at Tyncastle after showing good touch and positioning to help fashion three solid chances, but his finishing and his fortune wasn’t up to the same standard.

Rangers ace and Lawrence Shankland draw blanks in Hearts draw

Dessers was arguably unlucky not to be the match-winner at Tyncastle after showing good touch and positioning to help fashion three solid chances, but his finishing and his fortune wasn’t up to the same standard.

The 29-year-old has proven that he can score goals as a regular starter so if he remains the top option for Clement it is probably a safe bet that he does break the 20-goal barrier.

 

But amid links to Shankland and Albion Rrahmani there appears to be an interest in signing a new number one who can hit the net with more regularity.