Ferguson hints at changes but backs Dessers ahead of Rangers' Europa League clash

Via Wikimedia Commons

Following Rangers’ record-breaking fifth home defeat at Ibrox against Hibernian on Saturday, interim boss Barry Ferguson vowed there would be “a series of changes on Thursday night” for the game against Athletic Bilbao.

Having had time to reflect on the result over the following days, Ferguson was questioned on these comments at yesterday’s press conference ahead of today's Europa League match.

With Rangers scoring just one goal from 16 shots on target over the last two matches, Ferguson was asked about striker Cyriel Dessers and his future in the starting XI.

Ferguson said: “I would be more concerned if Cyriel didn’t get into positions. That’s what I would be concerned about.”

When asked whether Danilo might get an opportunity in place of the wasteful Nigerian, Ferguson again gave little away.

He said: “In terms of am I considering other people to play - of course I am. I said on Saturday that there will be some changes, but we’ll have to wait and see what the changes are tomorrow night.”

These comments suggest Ferguson values Dessers’ movement and his ability to get into attacking positions more than a striker who may be more clinical but offers less in terms of positioning and overall play.

Ferguson did hint that at least one major change would be made for the quarter-final first leg, but whether that involves Dessers remains to be seen.