Rangers have been spot on so far with their transfer business but, at the same time, are highly reliant on the top performers from last season who played a massive role in conquering the coveted Premiership crown. Kemar Roofe is most certainly one of them despite fitness woes and the Englishman is now concentrating on his pre-season training, something he last had three years ago.
“I might have had a pre-season three years ago. So, the two previous years I have not had a pre-season. So, it is difficult, I am playing catch up. While the other boys have already got it in their legs, I am trying to get it in mine and still able to perform and be fresh for games as well.”
Revealed the attacker while speaking to Rangers TV. He is looking forward to the club-friendly against Arsenal and the hopes are quite high on the 28-year-old with Alfredo Morelos likely to part ways amid Porto rumours.
The former Leeds United star is regarded for his flexibility across the frontline. He proved his worth both down the wide and as a ‘number 9’, however, the potential egress of Morelos should see him spearheading the attack unless the Gers wrap up a like-for-like alternative of their Colombian hitman.
Why Rangers Should Rely On Roofe Over Sakala
Meanwhile, Fashion Sakala has been an exciting addition with 16 league goals last season in Oostende. Steven Gerrard has pulled off a masterclass by securing the Zambian on a Bosman, but the centre-forward might take a while before letting his presence known in Scottish football.
Roofe, meanwhile, had injury-ravaged stints at Leeds and Anderlecht. A persistent calf problem ruled him out on a few occasions, yet he managed to fire in 18 times in 36 appearances altogether. Many of his strikes came from the right-hand flank as he got the nod over Ianis Hagi in crucial encounters.
Hagi, nevertheless, has improved immensely with time and is expected to play a major role next season with more league starts. He has frequently been deployed on the right and the gaffer should rely on the Romanian if Roofe gets shifted as a centre-forward.
Having said that, the English marksman must come through all the individual fitness programmes unscathed. He is being closely monitored by the head of fitness Jordan Milsom and the expectations of title defence as well as a strong Champions League run would only be met if he is available for selection week in week out.
