Smile 26,622 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has dropped a major hint that he will hold onto the striker's jersey even after Alfredo Morelos returns from suspension. The veteran has also admitted he's found it tough to watch from the sidelines in recent weeks with just one start since September. His only appearance from the start was against Hamilton in a 3-1 win and he's been restricted to fleeting substitute appearances. He's also struggled to find the back of the net in his cameo appearances with no goals since the equaliser in a 2-1 win over Motherwell back in October. nd the veteran admits it has been tough to watch his team-mates shine but he knows Alfredo Morelos' incredible form is playing a big part in his lack of playing time. The 37-year-old has a combined playing time of just 43 minutes in December so far but insists that although he finds it difficult to take, he knows he needs to remain upbeat for the sake of Steven Gerrard's squad. Defoe is likely to be back in from the start when Rangers travel to Easter Road to play Hibs on Friday night, with Morelos suspended after being sent off against Motherwell. And he could also have it for the Kilmarnock clash at Ibrox on Boxing Day after providing a clue that he will play in the next two matches - despite his Colombian team-mate back after his one-game suspension. He told RangersTV: "It’s difficult. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are it’s been difficult. I’m not going to sit here and lie and say ‘ah nah it’s been fine’. It’s been really tough because at the beginning of the season I was missing a couple of games then I was back in, and I felt like I could keep that level of fitness and sharpness. "If you’re missing four, five, six games and eventually do come back you always make sure you’re ready but you don’t wan to lose any match fitness. "I’ve not missed any training sessions, I’ve tried to keep myself sharp and fit and we’ll see what happens. "I came here last night to do a gym session. When you play two games a week it’s difficult to go to the gym and do your power stuff. Your strength work and last night was an opportunity. "Obviously it looks like I’m going to play the next two games so I’ve got to be ready. "When you’re older there’s a certain way you’ve got to try and conduct yourself. It’s not always easy because you have to be professional but at the same time you’re human and you’re going to be a little bit down when you’re not playing. You go home and you take it out on the people who are closest to you which is normal but not nice again. "It’s important that I try and come in and think about the other lads who aren’t playing or can’t get in the squad, the younger lads. "To try and show them that even if you’re not playing you’ve got to be professional and spirits have got to be high. "You don’t want anyone sulking or bringing bad vibes or anything." And when asked how excited he was to be playing, he added: "I’m looking forward to it. I’ve spoken about match fitness and all that sort of stuff but at the same time I’m lucky because I’m playing in a good team so I always feel that most games you dominate. "I always believe I’m going to get chances so hopefully if I’m playing in these next two games I’ll manage to get goals and more importantly win the games." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockwellGers 14,754 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 I love Defoe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopCat 4,511 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Defoe is a breath of fresh air to the Scottish game. A thoroughly likeable guy as well as being the complete professional player.We are lucky to have him. Always enjoy his interviews so thanks for sharing OP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackAlex93 11,510 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 A great role model for the younger lads at the club and will have an important part to play during this campaign. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
middli 1,581 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Always a class act when interviewed but need to see a couple of goals out of him tonight on the pitch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
They Gnu 11,553 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 He has my total respect, a great influence to have at Ibrox. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BouncyBluenose87 1,564 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 A workmate of mine had a chat to him last week when some of the squad visited the sick children's hospital. He confirmed to me that he's great with the young bears and bearettes and the ultimate professional on and off the pitch. Nothing we didn't know but thought I'd share. Love the guy and the more like him that we have at the club, the better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courtyard Bear 41,357 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Don’t think it’s any coincidence that Buff has came on leaps and bounds since Defoe has been here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeds_Bear 8,122 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Proud to call Defoe a Rangers player. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwhiteandblue 3,330 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 17 minutes ago, Courtyard Bear said: Don’t think it’s any coincidence that Buff has came on leaps and bounds since Defoe has been here. Definitely. He's been a role model for him and I honestly don't think that there's a better person who we could've asked for for that role. The change in a single season has been phenomenal. Buff always gives him a wink, hug or whatever when either of them score. We really need another striker in January though. Could also be doing with a quick tactical aware right winger who could use both feet. A player that take Arfield's place because he's better. Hopefully buff uses this time to do a bit of gym work. Don't know if anyone else has noticed, but he doesn't seem to have as much upper body strength as he had at the start of the season?? A proper challenge for the wing back positions would complete the team. Flanagan and Halliday just simply aren't good enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essandoh 21,247 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 I love Jermain Defoe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,075 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 He mentioned twice that he is playing on Sunday. (the next two games). What is he basing that on? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmcf 34,457 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 13 minutes ago, bluenoz said: He mentioned twice that he is playing on Sunday. (the next two games). What is he basing that on? I was wondering that myself . I wonder if Morelos points accumulation is close to another ban and don't want to gamble on the Killie game , though I can't think of him being booked too often this season to warrant that . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangersross 6,538 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Still find it hard to believe we've got him. Great professional, player, and guy by all accounts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blumhoilann 6,712 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Resting Buff for the taigs game? C'mon Jermain gies a hat-trick 🙂 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwhiteandblue 3,330 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 1 hour ago, bluenoz said: He mentioned twice that he is playing on Sunday. (the next two games). What is he basing that on? Must think he's going to put in a performance that forces the manager to start him in the next game?? Hopefully that's it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Hurlock Loyal 12,133 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 The man oozes Rangers class, a true credit to the club and what an influence for all the squad. I'm sure he will stake his claim for a starting place after the two games, he is simply too good to be on the sidelines. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopCat 4,511 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 26 minutes ago, Terry Hurlock Loyal said: The man oozes Rangers class, a true credit to the club and what an influence for all the squad. I'm sure he will stake his claim for a starting place after the two games, he is simply too good to be on the sidelines. He would be in the starting 11 of any other side in Scotland mate imo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,893 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 He is a class guy for sure. All that matters tonight is that he plays well and hopefully either scores or sets up one or two. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trueblueal 2,117 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 2 hours ago, bluenoz said: He mentioned twice that he is playing on Sunday. (the next two games). What is he basing that on? Probably on being told that by the manager! Would be fine with me if we win tonight and he performs well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,075 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 1 minute ago, trueblueal said: Probably on being told that by the manager! Would be fine with me if we win tonight and he performs well. When available, Morelos starts. It shouldn't even be a debate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trueblueal 2,117 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Just now, bluenoz said: When available, Morelos starts. It shouldn't even be a debate. I don't trust the ref or a hammer thrower not to see him out of the celtic game which we really don't want to be losing. Killie at home is fine for a Defoe start, Morelos super super super sub if needed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Hume 13,221 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 He is a proper professional ..... who does not hide the fact with his honest talk .... but still has the class to uphold his values even when it would be easier to just say .... fuck it. Such a pity he was not at least five years younger .... as his influence on the squad .... in particular Alfredo .... is an outright bonus for positivity and focus to remain high amongst the group. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,075 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 2 minutes ago, trueblueal said: I don't trust the ref or a hammer thrower not to see him out of the celtic game which we really don't want to be losing. Killie at home is fine for a Defoe start, Morelos super super super sub if needed You have a point but it is a poor state of our game that we don't play Morelos against Kilmarnock because we think the refs will send him off so that he misses the 29th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegendofCoop 17,442 Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 What a guy. Would be so easy for him to sit back, take a wedge and not give two fucks! So happy to have him around and I hope he bangs in the winner tonight!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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