Cyriel Desser roars Rangers title challenge 'not impossible' ahead of 'even bigger' Motherwell semi final

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has hit back at critics saying it is "not impossible" for his side to get back into the Scottish Premiership title race but admits they'd have to up their level to challenge for the top prize.

After their Pittodrie defeat last night courtesy of a Shayden Morris winner, the Dons went nine points clear of Philippe Clement's side with Jimmy Thelin now unbeaten in 16 games since taking over as boss in the summer.

Nedim Bajrami has levelled in the 63rd minute with a fine solo goal after Nicky Devlin's opener but Philippe Clement’s side could not kick. The pressure is continuing to intensify on Clement with many fans now calling for him to go but the Ibrox number nine Dessers says the title isn't completely gone, but Sunday's League Cup semi-final is now an even bigger game as they lost ground in the title race.

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The 29-year-old Ibrox striker said: “I think last year around this time we were in a similar situation, and I think by New Year we kind of closed the gap, and then later in the season we came back again, so it’s not impossible, but we will need to up our level in more games.

“It was extremely difficult and painful. Obviously it was a big game, so you arrive with some expectations, and to walk off the pitch with a loss really hurt.

“We found control in the second half, and at that time I think we had some small chances. At that point we missed a little bit in terms of creating the big chances to finish it off.

“I haven’t seen their second goal yet, but it looks like we were a little bit unlucky there, and they were very sharp at the second post again. It’s painful that we gave away the control there again, and then it was going to be tough in the last 15 minutes.”

Dessers acknowledged that the travelling Rangers fans were far from happy at the end of the game when the players came over to show appreciation for their support.

He continued: “Obviously they travelled all the way there to support us again so I can understand them. They want to see us win, they want to see us compete, they want to see us on the top of the table.

“We’re not there yet, and hopefully we can start fighting back now and give them something to be more happy about. Obviously it’s difficult to see their reactions, and that hurts. But we know they’re hurting as well.

“You don’t want to be in this situation, but right now we’re all in the same boat. We are Rangers, the fans are Rangers, we as a team, the staff all together, and we have to stick together, no matter how difficult the times are. I’m sure we need to bounce back, and I’m sure we will bounce back.”

Celtic and Aberdeen meet in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday while Rangers face Motherwell in the other last-four game the following day.

Dessers admits the game against the Steelmen has taken on added importance. He said: “It was already huge. A chance to go to a final, hopefully our third cup final in a row, that would be massive, but with the result against Aberdeen, obviously it will become even bigger to give our fans something back. But we fully realise that, and we will be ready for them.”