Michael Beale reveals cause of ‘big frustration’ at Rangers
Michael Beale said it has been a “big frustration” being without Rangers duo Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence for such long periods.
Forward Roofe needed a hip operation back in March and made just six appearances last term. This season he has featured a couple of times for the Gers.
Attacking midfielder Lawrence has not played in a year due to a serious knee injury but both players are in the squad as Rangers face Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (26 August).
“After such a long period out it is more important we have them for domestic competitions. I class them as starters, or in the rotation of starting, so if they get back to their best it will only make us stronger,” Beale said in quotes reported in the Daily Record’s print edition (26 August, page 53).
“Not having them since I have been here has been a big frustration. Every team needs three number nines and now we have Cyriel (Dessers), Danilo, and Kemar, but we have to make a call.
“He (Lawrence) is not ready to play 90 minutes but when we come back from the international break Tom is ready to go as well. What a boost that is going to be for everybody.”
Great boost
Rangers have made nine summer signings during the transfer window, and Beale had commented elsewhere that having Roofe and Lawrence available will make it feel like having 11 new faces in the squad.
Which is absolutely spot on. Moreover, Roofe and Lawrence offer goals and creativity, and if they can get back to full fitness and rediscover their top form, they will be fantastic options for Beale to have this season.
Roofe of course has competition up top, with Danilo and Dessers having arrived during the transfer window, while fellow new arrival Sam Lammers could go up there too if need be.
But Rangers will have European commitments this season, whether that be in the Champions League or Europa League, as well as the three domestic competitions in Scotland to compete for.
So having Roofe and Lawrence available really is a timely boost. Here’s hoping they can both stay fit.
In other Rangers news, Glen Kamara is set to secure his Ibrox exit in the coming days.