Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce questions Jermain Defoe comments on Rangers title prospects
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has questioned comments from Rangers striker Jermain Defoe claiming that it is “only a matter of time” before the Gers beat Celtic to a Scottish Premiership title.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that Steven Gerrard’s men have to be more commanding in the transfer market if they are to overtake their bitter rivals.
A recent report from Duncan Castles on the Transfer Window podcast (May 12th) suggested that the Gers are keen on bringing in Liverpool midfielder Pedro Chirivella on a free transfer, but may not be able to stretch to his wage demands of around £15,000-a-week.
And Bruce has cast doubt over whether Defoe’s comments, made during an interview with Football Fancast, are an accurate assessment when the Ibrox giants are unsure whether they will be able to get a free transfer over the line.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “If they’re going to try and catch up with Celtic, they’re going to have to try and sort themselves out, otherwise it’ll be Celtic running away with the league again.
“I saw quotes from Jermain Defoe saying it’s only a matter before Rangers are really competing with Celtic again.
“As I’ve said a few times, they’ve still got a bit of a gap to bridge, and the only way they’re going to do that is by improving their playing squad and being healthy in the transfer market.
“As part of that, if you can’t bring in free transfers then it’s going to be a difficult task for Steven.”
Gerrard has yet to lift a trophy during his time at Ibrox, but did guide the Gers to a Scottish League Cup final and the Europa League round of 16 this term.
Despite his underwhelming performance on the trophy-front, however, former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson has claimed that he is convinced the ex-Liverpool man is capable of bringing success to the blue half of Glasgow.
In other Rangers news, Confirmed: Gers agree multi-year kit deal with Castore.