Cyriel Dessers slammed for Rangers shootout hiding with Yilmaz left to take Celtic fall for man 'you want to step up'
Baffled Neil Lennon has called out Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers for failing to step up in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Celtic.
The frontman came off the bench in extra time with the Premier Sports Cup final going all the way to spot-kicks. However, the Rangers No. 9 remained 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.
Looking back on Schmeichel's save to deny defender Yilmaz from 12-yards, the former Celtic boss and player Lennon told Premier Sports: "It's a great save. He has got down quickly. It's not a great contact. I wasn't overly confident in Yilmaz going up to take the penalty kick there. I am looking at Dessers, I am looking at Dowell, I am looking at Connor Barron.
"They were fresh. They have only been on 10-15 minutes. Your number 9 - don't leave it to a young left-back. For me, you pick your five and some people take a step back and some people take a step forward. You would want your striker to step up."
Michael Stewart attempted to explain the rationale behind the call from Philippe Clement adding: "Neil makes a good point - with being fresh. Maybe the thought is that he is not up to speed yet. But as a striker you would be wanting that."
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