Out of favour Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers DID want to take a penalty against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final.

That is according to pundit Michael Stewart - who made the reveal live on air after picking up a message in the BBC Sportsound studio. The frontman came off the bench in extra time with the showpiece clash going all the way to spot-kicks. But the Rangers No. 9 was criticised for remaining at the halfway line watching on as Rangers teammate Ridvan Yilmaz stepped up to miss the crucial penalty that gifted Celtic the trophy - while goalkeeper Jack Butland also took the fifth strike at Kasper Schmeichel before the 30-year-old.

Schmeichel would deny defender Yilmaz from 12-yards - but the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder has now claimed that it was Philippe Clement's call to leave Dessers out of his selection of spot-kick takes. Teasing a contact from the Ibrox inner sanctum, Stewart claimed: "I'll not say who just messaged me, but somebody just messaged me saying that the Rangers penalty kicks was the manager, he decided, and Dessers did want to take a penalty. Why has the manager not come out and said that?"

READ MORE: Vaclav Cerny 'offside' Rangers goal gripe by Tony Docherty answered as Dundee boss told only 'mistimed' moment

READ MORE: Ian Maxwell tells Rangers exactly what is next for SFA after Celtic penalty howler as 'unfair' theory clamped on air

Former Rangers' striker Rory Loy picked up on the comment after watching the forward strike the bar against Dundee. He added: "That is really interesting what you are saying there Michael.

"What does that say to Cyriel Dessers? If you say want to take a penalty and your manager picks his goalkeeper before you?"

The revelation comes amid speculation that Dessers could be on the move in January. He has dropped down the pecking order with Danilo and Hamza Igamane emerging as Clement's preferred attacking choices.

Saint-Etienne have been linked with a move for the frontman. Homme Du Match report he is on the club's shortlist of targets and they are now "active" in their pursuit of a deal.

Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.