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Alex Rae wowed by Kemar Roofe despite Rangers injury problems
Alex Rae has singled out Rangers striker Kemar Roofe for particular praise, claiming his “crafty” movement and ability to press the opposition defenders makes him the number one striker at Ibrox.
Roofe has been one of the most impressive performers for Michael Beale’s side so far this season, despite plenty of disappointing displays from the team, but his injury issues have left him in and out of the side.
Rae’s praise for the striker details exactly what he offers which some of the other attacking players at Rangers simply don’t, and he should be playing week in week out for Beale.
Speaking live on Viaplay Sports ahead of Rangers v Livingston [27 September], Rae stated: “I’m actually pleased to see Kemar Roofe. I’ve said for a long time that he’s the number one striker.
“He needs a run at it due to his injury problems and they’re trying to work up to getting him playing three games per week because his goal-to-game ratio is incredible.
“He’s so crafty, he’s always putting the centre halves under pressure when they don’t have the ball, and he’s also crafty with his movement.”
Needs to put a run of games together
If Roofe can make more of a consistent impact for Rangers by being available to start every week, it would make a huge difference to the way he is looked upon by the Ibrox faithful.
There is recognition of his quality, he can provide moments and opportunities that many in the side cannot, and his intelligence and ability to read the game make him a very valuable asset. The issue is, that his struggles with fitness mean he can’t be the first choice every time he’s needed.
If Rangers can get him fit enough to play three games per week, as Rae claims they want to do, there is no reason he couldn’t cement himself as the first name on the teamsheet under Beale.
Roofe’s emergence as a key option this season has come as somewhat of a surprise given the recent arrivals of Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Abdallah Sima who can all play up front, but if he can continue to turn in the performances he has so far, there will be no complaints.
In other Rangers news, Neil Warnock teased a potential Glasgow arrival live on talkSPORT.