RUSSELL Martin can make Cyriel Dessers a more consistent performer at home and abroad next season if he sets up his Rangers side differently and provides the much-maligned striker with greater support up front, it has been claimed.
Nigerian internationalist Dessers has, despite scoring 29 times in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign and taking his overall tally with the Glasgow giants to 51, been tipped to depart Ibrox this summer.
However, Kris Boyd, who spent two spells at his boyhood heroes and knows just how demanding his fellow Light Blues fans can be, believes the criticism of the £4m centre forward has been unjustified.
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He is confident that new manager Martin can help the man who was the leading scorer in the Premiership last term despite often cutting an isolated figure up front by himself if he commits more men forward.
Speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football session at Hampden, Boyd said, “Russell has said he is looking forward to seeing which members of his squad surprise him once pre-season starts – but I don't think Cyriel needs to surprise anyone.
“Hamza Igamane has shown what he is capable of in spells. He's come in and he's done well at times, but then his form hasn't been at the same level. But I get that. It was his first real season in this environment so you're probably going to get little spurts where he goes on a run and then times when he struggles.”
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He added, “There's one thing about Dessers. He's always there. He's always available. He's like every other striker, he'll miss chances from time to time. But it doesn't seem to faze him. He'll always go back for more.
“So for me Russell has already got someone there who's shown he can score goals. In Scotland, we are quick to criticise people for virtually anything. But Cyriel always goes back for more when he misses.
“I think Russell will be looking to see if he can get players closer to Cyriel, to have players more in contact with him. If he can do that then you might see a better level of performance on a more consistent basis from Dessers.”
Boyd is hopeful the long-standing McDonald Fun Football programme will produce a few more players who are capable of following in his footsteps and leading the line for Rangers in the years to come.
“Programmes like McDonald’s Fun Football are important for communities across Scotland,” he said. “They give children a safe, positive place to just play the game and have fun.
“McDonald’s are offering more free sessions this summer across Scotland and it’s brilliant to see. I wish I had this when I was a youngster, I would've loved it. I’d encourage every parent to not miss out and to get their child signed up to their nearest free session.”
Kris Boyd was celebrating the latest free wave of McDonald’s Fun Football sessions this Summer, available to all children aged 5-11 across the UK. You can sign up now for your nearest free session at mcdonalds.co.uk/football
