Dessers admits criticism ‘got under his skin’ before goal against Hibs

Cyriel Dessers conceded he was feeling the heat over his league goal drought before netting against Hibernian this weekend, but is now backing himself to hit the target on a regular basis for Rangers.

The 28-year-old scored his second Premiership goal of the campaign in the 4-0 victory over the Edinburgh club having gone six without finding the net.

His performances had attracted the ire of some in the Ibrox support and the Nigerian international admitted his form dropped off the longer the run went on.

But he says he can feel his belief returning and is now determined to get back on the goal trail.

“At a certain moment, it got under my skin and it affects your confidence a little bit,” he said.

“But luckily, I’ve been through this before in my career and I know my qualities, I know what I can do and I know I will show them this season.”

Dessers last hit double figures in the league while a Heracles Almelo player in the 2109/20 season, scoring 15 before the Eredivisie campaign was abandoned in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Totals of seven, zero, three, nine and six have followed across spells at Genk, Feyenoord and Cremonense – although he did plunder ten in European for the Dutch side two years ago.

Double figures remains the target for the Belgian-born striker this season and having already scored in Europe and the League Cup, he is determined to go on a scoring streak in the league.

“I’ve scored my whole life, I know I can score goals. If I do the things right, everywhere, on each level, I will make my goals,” he said.

“I’m sure that will happen at Rangers as well, but I need to do the things right and I’m sure the coach and this team will help me with that and hopefully we can enjoy it altogether.