Rangers have been handed a boost with the news that Cyriel Dessers will not be involved in the African Cup of Nations.

The Ibrox striker has not been selected by Nigeria for the upcoming international tournament in the early months of 2024.

The 29-year-old has been leading the line for the Ibrox club in recent weeks with both Kemar Roofe and Danilo out injured.

He will be supported by the arrival of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves on January 1, but he is in line to start against Celtic in the Old Firm derby tomorrow.

Dessers will go into the upcoming winter break knowing that he won't be jetting off on international duty after the Super Eagles squad for AFCON next month was announced today. 

He failed to make the 25-man squad. Former Rangers players Joe Aribo and Umar Sadiq are involved, though.

Rangers will be without top scorer Abdallah Sima for a period of January though, after the on-loan Brighton attacker was selected by Senegal.

He has been called up to their 27-man squad for the competition which runs from January 13 to February 11. 

READ MORE: Clement gives Rangers transfer update as he hails Fabio Silva signing

Asked about Sima, Clement said in today's press conference: "That's not a nice question! That's a mean one, to be honest. No, I'm not happy that he's selected but I understand.

"I've been an international myself and it was a great honour to play for my country. I was always really proud every time it happened so I understand that it's really important for the players.

"As a club, as a manager, nothing to do to go against it, it's strange to have a tournament during a season. We're not the only team in the world in that way also so it's things you need to accept and to be happy for him that he gets the respect out of his country and he deserves it."