‘Really key’ – Gerrard identifies vital Rangers transfer deals, says 24y/o will get run in team
Steven Gerrard is confident in the forwards he has available against St. Johnstone and points to the previous summer transfer window as a key period for Rangers.
Alfredo Morelos is suspended for three games starting from the match on Wednesday, and it looks likely that Cedric Itten will take his place in the side.
The striker arrived last summer along with Kemar Roofe, who could be in line for his first start since picking up an injury against Celtic.
In his pre-match conference, as reported by the Daily Record, Gerrard said, “Getting Cedric (Itten) and Kemar (Roofe) in was really key in terms of where we’re sitting right now and what’s going to happen moving forward.
“They’re both looking ready right now, Cedric is looking fantastic, and Kemar has done well and they’ll both get opportunities in the coming games.”
Time for Itten to prove himself
According to the Gers boss Itten will get a rare run in the team, and it is an opportunity he must grab with both hands.
The 24-year-old has just two league starts since joining and that shows chances like this do not come along often.
That is because Morelos is a mainstay in the team, but since the Colombian has only scored seven league goals and recently lashed out for no good reason, it is possible that Itten could keep him out of the side.
Stevie G likely felt frustration at Morelos’ actions as we are currently in a key part of the season.
If Itten can score and prove himself at leading the line over the next three games he will make a good case to start more frequently.
It is possible he could partner Morelos too, though Gerrard tends not to depart from his trusted 4-3-3 formation.
Regardless, Itten’s headed equaliser against Motherwell recently showed how useful he can be, and it is clear that his manager believes in his ability.
The aerial ability he displayed with that goal will offer us a different avenue in attack, and he is the ideal target for James Tavernier and Borna Barisic to aim crosses to.
We are feeling optimistic about Itten’s return to the starting line-up, and with Roofe also likely to play we are expecting plenty of goals over the next few games.
In other Rangers news, ‘Flipped’ – Andy Halliday trolls Celtic brilliantly as Rangers home in on 55.