Ibrox Exclusive: McLeish names 27y/o who must ‘step up to the plate’ if Rangers are to win title
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that Kemar Roofe must “step up to the plate” if Rangers are to win the Scottish Premiership this season.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Gers boss suggested that it is imperative for a side contending for the title north of the border to have a striker who can contribute 15 to 20 goals in a campaign.
And McLeish has stated that he believes the 27-year-old is good enough to be that man for Steven Gerrard’s men this term.
When asked whether Roofe could be a 20-goal asset for the Gers this season during an interview with Ibrox News, he said: “If you’re going to be competing for the title, you need a player who is going to get you goals towards that total. If not one, even two.
“You know that Rangers and Celtic will be expected to win the majority of games, so therefore there will be more call for a couple of players to step up to the plate.
“If I go back to the treble-winning year, I think Ronald de Boer scored 20 goals, but Barry Ferguson got 18 or 19 too. It was incredible.
“If you’re going to win the championship, in Scotland especially, then they need to get the players that matter, the guys like Roofe, in that 15-20 bracket. He’s capable. He’s started well.”
Roofe has scored twice in his last three league outings for Rangers, but picked up a knock in the Europa League win over Lincoln Red Imps in midweek and had to be substituted.
Since then, however, Gerrard has stated his optimism that the forward will be back in contention to face Hibernian on Sunday.
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