Dessers fires blank, Leon Balogun solid in Rangers home victory over Livingston

Having lost their first league game of the season in the absence of Balogun, the Nigerian played a key role to help his side bounce back to winning ways.

Balogun re-signed for Rangers last month and put in a commanding display as he helped his side to a clean sheet.

His compatriot, Cyriel Dessers was also on the pitch but was kept quiet in front of the goal.

The £4.5 million Nigerian had a poor game in Gers’ 4-0 victory over Livingston and was jeered by his own fans.

The Nigerian striker – who only arrived from Cremonese this summer – was the subject of groans from a large section of the Ibrox support before being hooked by Beale.

However, it was an afternoon to remember for Michael Beale’s new recruits as Sam Lammers, Danilo, Abdallah Sima, and Kieran Dowell all netted their first goals for the club as the Light Blues moved up a gear in the final stages to put the game out of sight.

Meanwhile, Dessers got his first goal for the club in their midweek Champions League qualifying victory over Servette, and Beale is adamant that he’ll be a success at the club.

“You can see that Cyriel has come off not having a pre-season. And he missed the last two months of last season as well through injury,” Dessers told the club website.

“He scored in midweek and was heavily involved in our first goal today. Listen, we want a lot from these players.

“But his goal against Servette will do him the world of good and we’re still tinkering things up front. Cyriel will be fine here.

“The players were going into their first home league game of the season under more than a little bit of pressure. So the new guys rode every emotion. That’s why at the end of the week, I’ll be positive rather than pessimistic.”