CYRIEL Dessers was delighted to be Rangers’ Hampden hero - but praised Todd Cantwell for helping him sink Hearts.
The Nigerian international notched a goal in either half to secure the Light Blues’ place in the Scottish Cup final against Old Firm rivals Celtic on May 25.
Playmaker Cantwell set Dessers up for his brace and the hitman was thrilled to book a return trip to the national stadium next month.
Speaking to RangersTV, he said: “Todd played a big part in the two goals and I was happy for him.
“When you reach a final with Rangers you are always happy. It wasn’t easy but we got the job done.
“We started well and we got the goal, which gives you an advantage as they have to come out and it gives you more space.
“There was a foul on James Tavernier but he didn’t stay down, he played it to Todd and he had a lovely assist.
“I had some work to do in the box, but I was glad to eliminate the defender and have a good finish.
“For the second, the keeper saved the first shot well but then I could get the rebound and I am glad it went in.
“Hearts were pushing at that time but the second goal killed the game.
“We know we have important weeks coming up and this was big for us.
“Making the final is huge, but this is only the beginning, we want to win the final now.”
Dessers’ day could have got even better as he raced through on goal, but instead of going for his hat-trick he opted to set up Fabio Silva who couldn’t covert.
The striker made it 19 for the season with his double, but he insists he doesn’t care who nets, as long as Rangers win before he praised the defence for notching a vital clean sheet.
He added: “Everyone wants to score a hat-trick and I had a good chance with my left foot but I opted to pass it instead.
“But to me it doesn’t matter who scores the goals, I just want to win games.
“It wasn’t an easy game, we had to work and fight for it.
“We showed quality on the ball, we made it difficult for them and this should give us confidence.
“It is a good clean sheet, Leon Balogun came in and did well, Jack Butland was great again so I was delighted for the whole defence to get another clean sheet.
“We had to get through this game and the next bit of the season starts now.”
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS: Renew your 2024/25 Season Ticket HERE
SHOP: Shop the latest arrivals at the Rangers Store HERE
RANGERSTV: Get closer to your club with RangersTV subscription HERE
MYGERS: Enjoy exclusive experiences, discounts and events with a MyGers membership HERE