Kemar Roofe on last Rangers chance as exit-bound Ibrox ‘predator’ tipped for key contribution
Kemar Roofe has the opportunity to be a key contributor for Rangers before the end of the season in what is likely is “last go” at salvaging his Ibrox career, says Barry Ferguson.
The former Light Blues captain said on Go Radio’s Football Show on 16 February that the often-injured forward is a “predator” inside the penalty area, but his fitness issues have left him facing his final opportunity to have an impact for the club.
With the Jamaican international frequently ruled out, and fellow forwards Danilo and Abdallah Sima also injured long-term Ferguson is pleased with what he has seen from Fabio Silva and Cyriel Dessers, but still believes Roofe is the prime option to get a goal when fit.
Ferguson said, via the Daily Record: “Listen, his Rangers career has been hampered by injury. You know my thoughts on Kemar Roofe. I think he is a very good centre-forward. No doubt about it, but it is just keeping him fit.
“This is probably his last go at salvaging his Rangers career for the run in. If you do get him back fit I think he could be a big player. I am not saying starting because Dessers is doing really well. His form has picked up. Fabio Silva is scoring a few goals now.
“But if you need to get a goal, there is nobody better than Kemar Roofe. He is a predator inside the box.”
Kemar Roofe in last chance saloon at Rangers
As a pure finisher there has rarely been a better option within the Gers squad in recent years but nobody can score when they aren’t on the pitch, which has so often been the case with Roofe.
Barring a stunning fitness turnaround he is likely heading for the exit in the summer when his contract expires because it seems very unlikely the club would commit to a new deal based on his lack of availability over the past couple of seasons.
But if he is able to play a few games between now and then then he is always a good bet to contribute with a key goal, and if he were able to be a factor that led to another trophy it would be a very popular way to go out for the 31-year-old.
A record of 38 goals in 93 Rangers appearances isn’t to be sniffed at in itself, especially when 14 came in the SPFL during the title-winning season.
But with just 21 appearances in all competitions over the past two campaigns combined it increasingly looks like the writing is on the wall for the end of the season, so any games he can play would have to be seen as a bonus.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are now expected to complete a permanent deal to sign a “terrific” attacking ace.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.