Former Rangers midfielder Trevor Francis has insisted that he “expects” Jermain Defoe to be a “big success” at Ibrox over the next 12 months.
Francis recalled trying, unsuccessfully, to sign Defoe when he was Birmingham City boss saying he was the “exact type” of player his side were desperate for at the time.

1988: Graham Roberts (left) and Trevor Francis (right) both of Rangers hold the trophy aloft after their victory in the Skol Cup Final against Aberdeen at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. The match ended in a 3-3 draw but Rangers won 5-3 on penalties. Mandatory Credit:
(Photo by Russell Cheyne/Allsport)
The veteran striker has already impressed since joining the Gers on an 18-month loan deal in January and Francis thinks he’ll continue scoring for a “long while yet.”
“I needed someone like Jermain. He was the exact type of player I wanted, but couldn’t get,”
Francis told the Scottish Sun.
7th April 2019, Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Ladbrokes Premiership football, Motherwell versus Rangers; Jermain Defoe of Rangers takes a shot on goal
(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“Jermain is a goalscorer. He makes really good runs and he’s fantastic technically. He’ll score goals for a long while yet.

“Rangers have a top player there. I’d expect him to be a big success in the next 12 months.”
Bournemouth could recall the striker in the summer but should he stay at Ibrox then he’s already shown he has the quality to make a massive impact.
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - APRIL 07: Jermain Defoe of Rangers and Tom Aldred of Motherwell in action during the Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership match between Motherwell and Rangers at Fir Park on April 07, 2019 in Motherwell, Scotland
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Much could depend on Alfredo Morelos’ long-term Ibrox future and if the Colombian moves on then Steven Gerrard has a ready-made replacement.
Despite his advancing years, he doesn’t look to have lost any of the ability that has made Defoe one of the leading goalscorers in the history of the Premier League.

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