Rangers manager Philippe Clement has explained why he started new signing Hamza Igamane over top marksman Cyriel Dessers in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium.
Tom Lawrence's 34th-minute strike secured all three points for the Gers, maintaining their position in third place, five points behind league leaders Celtic and Aberdeen.
Before facing Hibernian, Dessers had only missed a starting spot in one match across all competitions this season, which was during the Scottish League Cup fixture against St. Johnstone last month.
Clement has recently faced considerable backlash from a sections of the Rangers fanbase advocating for Igamane to replace Dessers in the starting XI.
Responding to their calls, the Belgian manager granted the Moroccan his first start of the season; however, he was substituted for the imposing Nigerian forward in the 56th minute.
Clement explains strategic decision: Hamza's start over Dessers
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland vis the Herald Scotland ahead of kick-off, the Rangers manager addressed the decision to start Igamane over Dessers.
“Cyriel is playing a lot of minutes, Hamza is doing well in training, so there was a good moment to start him and give him this experience for a young striker. I think it's good to have it at Ibrox in our own home, and Cyriel is ready to come in when Hamza gets tired, he said.”
Despite playing for 34 minutes, Dessers managed just one shot on target, which came in the 81st minute. He was given the chance to double the lead when Nedim Bajrami delivered a cross into the penalty area, but his close-range header was expertly saved by goalkeeper Josef Bursik.
The 29-year-old has netted seven goals in 10 appearances across all competitions this season.
