Rangers coach explains why Dessers headed to dressing room after substitution, shares Balogun update

Rangers coach Philippe Clement has revealed why Cyriel Dessers headed straight to the dressing room after he was substituted during the 4-0 win over FCSB in the UEFA Europa League matchday three fixture played at Ibrox yesterday.

The Nigeria international left the field in the second half of the game and was replaced by summer arrival Hamza Igamane who scored the last goal of the game to open his goalscoring account for the Light Blues.

Dessers is coming under scrutiny again after his failure to find the back of the net since September and his exit from yesterday's game only added more fuel to the fire.

Addressing the reason behind the 29-year-old's early departure from the pitch in his post-match conference, Clement revealed that the experienced striker was forced to leave due to an injury.

In quotes relayed by The Herald, the 50-year-old tactician said:"Cyriel got a knock or a finger in his eye or something in his eye, so he lost sight," said Clement.

"He could not see good anymore. He was quite emotional about it because he wanted to stay on the pitch.

"But he didn't see anything, so he ran off the pitch. That was a really strange moment for me, but he apologised after the game. It's better than to sit down and give time for your team mate to come in.

"But it was in the emotion of wanting to win, wanting to react, wanting to play well, what he was doing also in the game. I have no problems with that. But it's good lesson also for this young squad in that way, to take every moment in a really professional way."

Clement also addressed the reason behind Leon Balogun's substitution as the Super Eagles defender was replaced by Robin Pröpper in the 63rd minute, thereby raising concern about his fitness.

The Belgian coach said: "Leon cramped up so I don't think there will be a big problem. I have more worries with Tom Lawrence, so we're going to see in the next couple of days what it's going to be. In a duel, somebody fell on him and he twisted his knee, so we will see in the next couple of days how serious that is."

The 36-year-old Balogun hasn't had enough game time since the start of the campaign with yesterday being the first game he has started in the Europa League and his third across all competitions.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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