Cyriel Dessers’ stoppage time strike to rescue Rangers away to Dynamo Kiev felt like not only a big moment in the new season, but also a big moment in the striker’s Ibrox career.
Criticism has rained down on Cyriel Dessers like a monsoon at times. Players with a less watertight mentality might have drowned amid the tide of doubters.
But what Dessers maybe lacks in ruthlessness, he certainly makes up for with effort, endeavour and a never-say-die spirit.
After missing numerous chances at Hearts on Saturday and having seen a header turned brilliantly around the post in Poland, Dessers refused to let his head drop in the knowledge that one more chance would come his way.
And when it did – Vaclav Cerny whipping in a superb cross on 94 minutes as Rangers avoided defeat at the death against Dynamo Kiev – guess who was the quickest to react and turn the ball in at the near post?
Still, the number nine spot in Philippe Clement’s team remains a topic of discussion. And it will remain that way as long as Dessers misses the target more often than he finds it.
Rangers eye strikers as Bristol City prepare Tommy Conway sale
Speculation linking Rangers with a move for Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland reared it’s head again before that Premiership opener at Tynecastle. Shankland has just one year left on his contract but the Edinburgh outfit appear to be in no rush to sell the division’s Golden Boot winner.
The same cannot be said, however, of Bristol City.
The Championship outfit too are facing up to the prospect of losing their star striker on a free transfer. But while Hearts appear happy to keep Shankland in the hope that a U-turn may be forthcoming, Bristol City are not quite that patient.
As confirmed by Robins coach Liam Manning, Rangers-linked Scotland international Tommy Conway will be sold in the final three weeks of the window should their asking price be met.
“I had a lot of chats with Tommy last year on where I thought he was at, his situation, his future,” Manning tells BBC Radio Bristol’s ‘Sound of the City’.
“I spoke to him in the off-season where I thought the club made him a fantastic offer which he decided to decline. Then, it’s a decision.
“I haven’t fallen out with Tommy but anyone in the first-team changing room, anyone who’s training with us, has to be all-in on the club and what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to achieve.
“If someone’s head is elsewhere, then we can’t carry that ultimately.”
The Bristol Post reported in June that Rangers – who were linked back in January too – were on red alert after learning that Conway would not be extending his stay at Ashton Gate.
The once-capped speedster is no longer part of Manning’s plans, having not featured with the first-team squad during pre-season.
Philippe Clement may need a Cyriel Dessers alternative
“He’s trained properly but, like I said, he’s someone who doesn’t see his future at the club,” the former West Ham United youth coach adds. “So it’s time for him to move on.
“I don’t think that someone of Tommy’s potential and value, (we should) run it down and potentially lose him for nothing. I was quite clear with Tommy the middle of last season that, if you don’t sign, we’ll look to move you on because you do hold a value and what that does is allow us to invest in the squad.
“Nothing imminent,” Manning adds. “There’s been some talks between clubs which I don’t think is right to talk about until things are a bit more definitive.
“But there’s been a level of interest.”
If Rangers are to throw their hat into the frame between now and the start of September, then the bidding will have to start in excess of £5 million.
That is the size of the offer put forward by Bristol City’s Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Hull City.
