Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller believes Cyriel Dessers should get the nod for this week’s Europa League clash with Real Betis and is not keen on the idea of Abdallah Sima playing through the middle.
Abdallah Sima’s midweek winner away at Hearts last week, Miller tells the Daily Record, is proof enough of how to get the most out of the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee.
Sima, the Rangers icon, is at his most effective when given the freedom to run in beyond a more classic number nine, using his pace and movement to excellent effect before sliding the ball coolly under Zander Clark at Tynecastle.
The Senegal international found the net again three days later, Philippe Clement’s side coming from a goal down to beat Dundee 3-1 at Ibrox. The oft-maligned Dessers also found the net on Saturday, and Miller is keen to see both players keep their place during Thursday’s crunch clash with Real Betis.
Abdallah Sima has 13 goals for Rangers already
“Dessers gets my nod for Thursday. It could be a massive opportunity for him,” Miller explains, Clement’s decision made that little bit more straightforward by Danilo’s injury.
“I’ve seen it suggested by some that Abdallah Sima could be given the main striker role. His goal return of 13 from 26 games so far is very good considering he’s playing on the left.
“But Sima at number nine? I don’t like that thought process. The Brighton man is currently playing in the position where he is most effective. He’s not a focal point, there’s not a lot of build-up or hold-up involved in his role.
“If he was number nine, that would be an area of the game that needs to be improved. But what we have seen from him is a real willingness to run in behind defenders, use his pace and power, we’ve seen his hunger to get in the box and score goals.”
Make or break Europa League clash
Sima is now Rangers’ top scorer this season. Clement has made no secret of his desire to sign Brighton’s £7 million misfit on a permanent deal, while also admitting that a centre-forward will be ‘one of the priorities’ for January amid links with Aberdeen frontman Bojan Miovski.
Rangers are currently second in the Europa League group. But a loss away to Betis, coupled with a Sparta Prague victory over Aris Limassol, will see them drop out of the competition.
“I would be sticking with (Sima on the wing) and going with Dessers or (Kemar) Roofe through the middle against Betis and Aberdeen,” Miller adds. “If Dessers doesn’t produce the goods in Seville on Thursday, then it could be time to unleash Roofe at Hampden.”
