‘Bad news’ – Kris Boyd delivers immediate reaction as ‘big impact’ Rangers ace suffers ‘blow’
Kris Boyd has claimed that Kemar Roofe’s withdrawal during Rangers’ Europa League clash against Lincoln Red Imps could be “bad news” for Steven Gerrard’s men.
The 27-year-old was forced off with an injury during the first half of the Gers’ 5-0 win after going to ground with no opposition player around him.
Gerrard opted to bring on Nathan Patterson in his place instead of calling on the more conventional attacking options of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe, but Boyd has argued that even with the extent of the manager’s options up front, any kind of absence for Roofe would be a real disappointment.
Speaking during the match on Sky Sports News (September 17th, 4.35pm), he said: “It’s bad news for Rangers, to be honest.
“Kemar Roofe went down with nobody around him. He’s had to leave the field.
“With the injuries that Rangers have already got, that would be a worry. I know they’ve got strength in depth in that position with Morelos and Defoe on the bench tonight, but you don’t want to lose someone who’s had a big impact in the last few weeks for Rangers.
“It will be a blow for Rangers if Roofe is to miss a few upcoming games.”
How much of a blow would it be to lose Roofe?
To be honest, not as big of a blow as it would have been a couple of weeks ago.
Jermain Defoe and Cedric Itten have both returned to fitness recently, with the latter leading the line in Gibraltar.
Likewise, the injury Alfredo Morelos sustained against Dundee United wasn’t enough to rule him out of the match day squad on Thursday.
In that sense, Gerrard is blessed with plenty of quality options up front.
But missing Roofe would still be a real shame.
The former Leeds United man just looks to be finding his feet in Glasgow, with two in last his three league outings.
Alex McLeish recently told Ibrox News that the hitman will be “delighted” with his personal progress in Scotland over recent weeks, but any kind of significant injury blow could be a real hindrance to the momentum he is beginning to build.
In other Rangers news, Frank McAvennie claims Alfredo Morelos could upset the Ibrox dressing room if he stays.