Rangers were handed a major boost ahead of the upcoming tie against Celtic as Kemar Roofe was not included in the Jamaican side for the nation’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.
This means he will be available for selection on February 2 as the Ibrox side travel to Parkhead.
It isn’t an international snub though, as Jamacia coach Paul Hall revealed he didn’t call up Roofe at his insistence to remain in Glasgow and recover fully from his recent injury.
Kemar Roofe will be free to face Celtic
This gives Rangers a massive advantage heading into the clash against Celtic as Roofe, barring any setbacks, should be available.
He is a key player for the Ibrox side when fit, and his international manager also seems to think so following recent comments.
“Kemar would have been one of the first names on my list,” Hall said [DailyRecord].
“However, Kemar had indicated that he needs to fully recover from his last injury.
“Hence his absence from the squad.”
Roofe joins fellow teammate Joe Aribo in being ready for the Old Firm tie as Nigeria was knocked out by Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 tie, in what was a shock.
It is remarkable how quick football can turn on its head, only last week Rangers were looking set to be without Aribo, Roofe, James Sands, and Alfredo Morelos. Fast forward seven days and the side will only be missing Morelos for the crunch tie.
There is still a job to do, and this undoubtedly piles more pressure on the side as Celtic are missing a few key men for the clash and the onus will be on Rangers to come away with all three points.
Let’s hope Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his men deliver.
In other news, Former Rangers star Jason Cummings has officially signed for A-League side Central Coast Mariners.