Barry Ferguson calls for Rangers ace Kemar Roofe to step up v Celtic
Barry Ferguson has called for Rangers forward Kemar Roofe to step up as the Light Blues welcome Celtic to the Ibrox on Sunday [April 3].
This comes after the Gers’ key man Alfredo Morelos was ruled out of the Old Firm clash having suffered an injury whilst away on international duty with Columbia, as per BBC Sport.
The former Ibrox captain admitted the 25-year-old’s absence is a “massive blow” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst but held back no praise for Roofe who he thinks is more than capable of doing a job.
Ferguson told Go Radio via Scottish Daily Express: “It’s a massive blow, no doubt about it. He’s one of Rangers’ main players, so listen it’s an opportunity for someone else to go and show they can be Rangers number 9.
“You’ve got Roofe, Sakala and even Ryan Kent can play through the middle. To lose Morelos is a big blow, but it happens in football.
“You’ve just got to get on with it. It’s par for the course and I’ll be interested to see who plays through the middle, but to lose a player like that is a body blow.
“Roofe, I rate highly. I think he’s a real top player.
“He’s not Morelos, he’s a bit different but one thing about him if you watch him play. Inside the box, he’s a predator. His movement is really good inside the box.
“There’s a real physical presence with Morelos, he’ll be a big miss but I look at who can replace him and I’m comfortable enough with Roofe or Sakala, but I think it’ll be Roofe.”
Worst timing.
Roofe has come on and saved the Bears quite a few times this season and he might have to do it again – this time from the start.
The 29-year-old has notched 12 goals in all competitions for the Gers this season despite rarely starting, proving he has what it takes in front of goal.
If the Jamaican has any chance of re-establishing himself as the first-choice striker at the club – however unlikely that may be – he has to take his chances and he will get a couple of them with Morelos set to miss the Europa League clash against Braga in the week.
This comes at the worst possible time for Rangers as they face a crucial final stretch in their hunt for trophies.
If they can get past Celtic and Braga unscathed, you would back van Bronckhorst’s side to go all the way, certainly in the league.
Hopefully, this injury doesn’t unravel all of the hard work the Bears have put in throughout the season.
In other Rangers news, Ryan Jack fires shots at “disrespectful” Celtic ace Giorgos Giakoumakis.