Report – Key Rangers first teamer back in contention for Scottish Cup clash vHearts
Jermain Defoe is back in contention to play for Rangers when they face Hearts on Saturday evening.
The veteran striker has been sidelined since January with a calf injury that he sustained during the Gers’ 2-0 win over Ross County.
But as per the Daily Record, the 37-year-old could play a part in the Scottish Cup clash in the capital later today after being named in Steven Gerrard’s provisional squad for the tie.
Prior to his injury, the former England international had hit 17 goals in 30 appearances for the Light Blues in all competitions so far this season.
How much of a boost will this be for Rangers?
It’s no exaggeration to say that this could be potentially massive for Steven Gerrard’s men.
Defoe may not start every week, but he has a great knack of scoring whenever he is called upon.
Those 17 goals may have come in 30 outings, but a closer look at the stats show just how clinical the veteran still is.
Defoe actually has a goal every 80 minutes for the Gers – a figure that far eclipses pretty much everybody else in the Scottish game.
Alfredo Morelos, as a point of reference, has one goal every 103 minutes.
The Colombian has been misfiring of late as well, with just one goal since the winter break, and having Defoe available will give Gerrard a much more lethal alternative to call upon in attack if he feels a change is required.
With 2.76 shots on target per game, as per Wyscout, Defoe is still has razor sharp and instinctive as ever.
Hopefully, he can be the boost needed to get the Gers’ faltering season back on track as soon as possible.
In other Rangers news, ‘Standout’ – Peter Crouch blown away by what he saw in Gers win v Braga.