RANGERS will have Cyriel Dessers available for matches in January after the striker WASN’T included in the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Philippe Clement had been looking at a month with limited options in front of goal with Kemar Roofe and Danilo sidelined and with the potential of Dessers and Abdallah Sima heading off to the tournament.
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But after the addition of Wolves centre forward Fabio Silva on loan until the end of the campaign, the Ibrox side’s striking power has been boosted following the announcement that Dessers will not play for the Super Eagles.
He failed to make the 25-man squad which includes former Gers men Joe Aribo and Umar Sadiq.
There was some bad news, however, as it was confirmed that top scorer Sima could miss a number of January fixtures after he was selected to play for Senegal, one of the tournament favourites.
He has been called up to their 27-man squad for the competition which runs from January 13 to February 11.
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Belgian boss Clement was asked about Sima’s call-up at his press conference previewing the weekend’s Old Firm derby clash with Celtic.
He said: “That’s not a nice question! That’s a mean one, to be honest. No, I’m not happy that he’s selected but I understand.
“I’ve been an international myself and it was a great honour to play for my country. I was always really proud every time it happened so I understand that it’s really important for the players.
“As a club, as a manager, nothing to do to go against it, it’s strange to have a tournament during a season.
“We’re not the only team in the world in that way also so it’s things you need to accept and to be happy for him that he gets the respect out of his country and he deserves it.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Glasgow derby, the Light Blues boss was also sweating over the fitness of Connor Goldson for the match at Parkhead.
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