Barry Ferguson knows all too well the pressures of having to play for Rangers.
The Ibrox legend looks set to take his final game as interim Rangers manager against Hibs this weekend in what promises to be an emotional affair.
But Barry Ferguson also got something of an emotional send-off from the Rangers support in what could prove the former midfielder’s final match in charge at Ibrox.
One player who has fielded more criticism than most is Cyriel Dessers and as the Rangers number nine reaches an impressive milestone, Ferguson has fought his corner.
Barry Ferguson bites back against ‘unfair’ Cyriel Dessers criticism
Cyriel Dessers scored two goals as Rangers came from behind to defeat Dundee United 3-1 at Ibrox.
That brings Dessers’ tally for the season to 28 goals and 50 in total for Rangers, a milestone Ferguson doesn’t take lightly.
”I’m delighted for him,” Ferguson said. “I think the big man comes in for unfair criticism, I really do.
”But to work with him the last three months, I’ve seen how much effort he puts in on the training field.
“He works really hard at his game, he gives you everything and it’s a brilliant return this year, 28 goals.
”When we’ve got that penalty, normally it’s the skip that goes up and takes them, and I’m thinking ‘he better score this or he’s going to get one from me’.
”But thankfully he hit the back of the net and I’m delighted for him and it’s a brilliant return.”
Cyriel Dessers ready to fight for ‘beautiful’ Rangers
Cyriel Dessers wants to stay at Rangers and the striker has once again reiterated his ambitions after the win over Dundee United.
Admitting that it hurts that Rangers have not been able to add more trophies this season, Dessers has made himself available as a new era beckons at Ibrox.
”I think my ambitions are clear,” said Dessers. “This season has been very bumpy.
”I want to do better myself. I want to do better as a team. I want to win trophies. If they need me I will be there.
”I played at Feyenoord or Genk, they are a top club. They are supposed to win as well. They need to battle for the league title.
”I think there if you lose a game or draw a game, they can accept it in a way. But when you drop points here in this city then it’s a huge thing.
”That’s very difficult to deal with I think as a player but I think also that’s one of the most beautiful things about this club, the pressure to win every game.
”You have to win and if you don’t win you will feel and that’s difficult but also very beautiful.”
