Cyriel Dessers says he does “not have to answer” critics after netting what could prove to be a priceless equaliser in Rangers’ Champions League pursuit.
Despite scoring 22 goals in his debut campaign at Ibrox, the Nigeria forward has been a much-maligned figure throughout his time in Scotland.
It is a theme that has carried into the start of this season after the 29-year-old missed chances in Saturday’s goalless draw with Hearts and Tuesday’s first leg with Dynamo Kiev.
But Dessers kept a cool head to net a crucial 94th-minute leveller in Lublin and reacted to a dramatic finale by saying “it would be nice to get more recognition”.
“As a striker you have to believe,” he told BBC Scotland. “Even if it is an impossible ball or you don’t think it will fall.
“I knew it was the last ball into the box in the game, and that was the case. I was happy to be on the end of it.
“I don’t have to answer people, I’m just doing my job for the team, for the manager, and for myself. That’s the only thing that matters.
“It would be nice to get more recognition for what you do, but I get the recognition inside the building and that’s most important.”
Dessers recognises that “there are always reactions from the media” and a “small part” of the support, but the striker feels “a lot of love” from a “bigger part” of the fanbase.
There have been calls for Philippe Clement to upgrade on the Nigerian if he is to guide the Ibrox side to a Scottish Premiership title.
But Dessers’ last-gasp goal could provide his manager with much-needed funds to strengthen his attack if progression to the Champions League is secured.
“Cyriel kept pushing to get the goal,” Clement told BBC Scotland.
“He had a few chances that he finished well and the goalkeeper saved. He kept on believing and I’m happy for him that he scored.
“If you compare him to seven months ago, he does much more for the team. He’s only growing. That’s what we want.
“Maybe people have a perception of him, but I know that no defenders like to play against him.”
