‘Emotional’ Rangers star breaks silence on Clement sacking and lifts lid on a turbulent week at Ibrox

Cyriel Dessers has lifted the lid on the dressing-room emotions through a turbulent week at Rangers.

And, despite smashing through the 20-goal mark to emerge from the darkness, the hitman admits he’d instantly trade the landmark number for a trophy. Dessers made an immediate impact for new manager Barry Ferguson with two priceless second-half strikes to turn the tide at Kilmarnock.

The Nigerian international ensured his boss emerged from a catastrophic start on the first night at the helm to claim a cherished fightback victory. It was a rollercoaster beginning for the gaffer and a moment of joy and relief at full-time for the players who have been through the wringer in recent times.

Signed by Michael Beale, Dessers watched that gaffer slammed through the exit door. Replaced by Philippe Clement, the Belgian also collected his jotters in the wake of desperate home losses to Queen’s Park and St Mirren with Ferguson thrust into the interim position.

Having admitted the players had been letting down fans and the club as Clement departed, Dessers and the squad had to quickly grasp the situation as they headed for Ayrshire.

The striker was asked about his old gaffer’s sacking and said: “It’s always tough because people talk a lot about football, but we also see the human side and that’s really tough and emotional for everybody in the building. But then 48 hours later you have an important game and you have to get your head back in it and find your feet.”

When it started at Rugby Park, it was as if the effects of the previous events were still swirling in the minds of the troops and seeping into their legs. Just one training session into the Ferguson reign and 15 minutes into their first game, Rangers were 2-0 down and in turmoil.