Celtic icon labels Dessers 'a goal thief' ahead of striker's potential transfer to Rangers 

Cyriel Dessers has been labeled 'a goal thief' by Celtic hero Pierre van Hooijdonk ahead of the striker's potential transfer to Rangers. 

The Nigeria national teamer's move to the Light Blues is imminent with the Scottish Premiership giants and Cremonese reaching a club-to-club agreement for the transfer of the 28-year-old. 

Dessers could be joining Rangers on a permanent deal, while a loan with an option to buy is also being mooted. 

Retired Netherlands international Pierre van Hooijdonk considers the Nigerian a new version of himself and praised him for his work ethic and physicality. 

The similarity between the pair does not end there as they both played for NAC Breda and Feyenoord, helping the former secure promotion to the Eredivisie. 

Dessers has an excellent reputation in the Netherlands, having netted 86 goals in 166 appearances combined for four different clubs, namely FC Utrecht, Feyenoord, NAC Breda and Heracles Almelo. 

In quotes relayed by the Daily Record, Pierre van Hooijdonk said: "It's a good argument that Cyriel Dessers' career is very similar to mine. He is a goal thief too, but also works extremely hard. His work ethic is excellent.

"I really like him. We even look a bit similar from when I was a player! If you compare our styles, neither of us has what I would call a polished style.

"We both look awkward in the way we play and we both rely on our physical attributes."

Rangers would be signing a player with experience at scoring goals in European competition if the deal goes through.

Dessers was the top scorer in the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League with 10 goals, and has also scored in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League and Champions League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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