Philippe Clement tells Cyriel Dessers to up his game as Rangers boss sends out message

Philippe Clement fired a huge warning to Cyriel Dessers that his spot in the starting XI is not safe after dropping the Nigerian for Rangers' 4-1 win over Nice - as stand-in Hamza Igamane wowed fans by bagging a brace and an assist.

Igamane was a shock inclusion for the Europa League clash on the French Riviera in what was just his third start for the club, but despite missing an early chance, he put his doubters behind him with an assist for Vaclav Cerny, before a double of his own with a well-taken finish in the first-half and an incredible solo goal in the second that saw him nutmeg defender Pablo Rosario before sliding home.

Dessers came on with the game wrapped up, and last season's summer signing missed a gilt-edged opportunity to add to the scoreline with an almost open goal, drilling wide - and with Igamane having come into the side and impressing, the Belgian warned Dessers that there is now competition.

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Asked if Dessers would need to up his game thanks to Igamane's superb performance and Danilo being back for Rangers' domestic games, Clement told TNT Sports: "Yeah, for sure. There will be competition between them, and it's about being who is in the best shape at one moment. That is never a decision for weeks or months, that's showing it game by game."

Clement further added that Igamane deserved his chance in the team thanks to the work that he has put in in training, with the Belgian stating that the young Moroccan has improved even over the past fortnight. He added: "Yes, it has been the case also. He came in with an injury, he missed all of the preparations, and he doesn't have experience at this level.

"We are working hard on him with all staff, physically, to make him stronger. He has made progression in that way, but also tactically in doing right things for the team, and that's why I gave him a chance today because I saw the good things in the last couple of weeks. He's been better and better in training, and it's my job to give these chances at this stage to see what these players can bring."