Move over Dessers: Clement must now unleash Rangers “infectious” £11m-rated gem vs Ayr – opinion

This weekend, Glasgow Rangers will play a Scottish Cup match at Ibrox against Ayr United,

taking a break from Premiership action.

With former Celtic captain Scott Brown leading the Honest Men, the match will have much more significance,

but the Light Blues should prevail handily.

Four days have passed since their vital top-flight victory against Aberdeen, and this suggests

Philippe Clement may alter his starting lineup for tomorrow’s game.

One player who will be dropped is Cyriel Dessers, as he put in a poor performance against the Dons.

Cyriel Dessers failed to take his opportunity vs Aberdeen

The Nigerian striker had scored in three of his previous four matches leading up to the midweek clash,

yet he was largely ineffective in front of goal.

Throughout the match, Dessers managed only 28 touches, won zero of his attempted duels and completed

only 16 passes in what was a poor display all-round.

After the winter break, it appeared as though he was getting back into shape, but the 29-year-old fell short

when Clement needed him the most.

This should indicate that Fabio Silva is free to start tomorrow, and it might be the perfect game for him to score more goals.

The Portuguese striker may only be at Ibrox on a temporary basis, but he could establish himself as a key member of

Clement’s team over the next few weeks.

Silva is valued at €12.8m (£11m) according to Football Transfers, and he demonstrated his class against Livingston last

weekend, scoring a wonderful opener.

Despite not being able to secure a spot in the starting lineup against the Dons, he had an opportunity to perform

when he replaced Dessers with just over half an hour left in the game.

The 21-year-old did appear to be much more dynamic than the striker he had replaced; he made a crucial

pass and was successful on two of his three dribbling attempts. He was also less isolated because of his

propensity to drop deep and link up with the midfielders.

Fabio Silva against Aberdeen
Goals	0
Key passes	1
Successful dribbles	2/3
Touches	22
Big chances missed	1
Stats via Sofascore

Silva did had a final-minute opportunity to give the Gers a 3-1 lead, but his shot missed by the thinnest of margins.

In fact, Silva could have added the icing on top.

Acclaimed for his “infectious” training performances by colleague Connor Goldson, a strong showing tomorrow

against the lower tier could solidify his position as the starting striker for the upcoming weeks.

The game is a perfect opportunity for Clement to give some minutes to a variety of fringe players as he analyses

who belongs in his long-term plans and who doesn’t.

The Belgian manager will have his team prepared going into the game, even if the Light Blues should easily

advance to the quarterfinals. However, they must avoid becoming complacent.

Their 13-year drought was broken when they last won the Scottish Cup in 2022, but the 49-year-old

will be itching to add the trophy to the League Cup, which is currently housed in the Ibrox trophy room.