Rangers really could’ve used an effective extra striker option last season.
The Ibrox injury curse is no joke as Nicolas Raskin found out last week but at least this season the issues aren’t quite as stark as the last campaign.
Well, at least not in terms of injuries.
Whilst the debate about Rangers’ (lack of) transfer activity will rage on in the coming weeks, the club once again finds itself short in attack in any case.
But there is one option waiting in the wings who Rangers coach Alex Rae reckons could be the answer to the Ibrox support’s prayers in front of goal.
Rae waxes lyrical about Gers striker Danilo
Brazilian striker Danilo was Rangers’ marquee signing last summer.
In a window of £21m worth of transfer investment, the ex-Ajax forward joined the club for a reported £6m from Dutch champions Feyenoord.
But pretty much from the off was Danilo badly hampered by the rough and tumble of the Scottish game, suffering a fractured cheekbone after scoring v St Johnstone in September.
In December, Danilo suffered a devastating knee injury against Hearts which ruled him out for the season.
Now creeping back to fitness, Rangers fans are hoping to see more from Danilo this season with big hopes pinned on the striker making an impact in Glasgow.
Speaking after Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Murrayfield – where Dani was a second half substitute – Alex Rae has spoken glowingly about ‘how good’ the Brazilian hitman actually is.
“I think one of the things as well today was seeing Dani back playing again,” Rae told the press after the game.
“He looked sharp, created a very good opportunity and a good save for the goalkeeper, so the quicker we get him to speed as well.
“The one thing he has looked is bright and sharp, you know, to create that opportunity in the space.
“The one thing he has shown in training over the last few days as well is how good a finisher he is.
“You know, you put him in the positions and, as I said, he has been out for several months now, so it’s just about getting him up to the minutes which will allow him to play and start games.”
Rangers need a hero amid transfer groans
It’s high praise from Alex Rae and the comments will excite Rangers fans when it comes to Danilo.
The Gers support are certainly in a lull at the moment but there’s still over a month to go in the transfer window and Rangers are technically better stocked in the striker berth.
Whilst the wide positions leave a lot to be desired, Rangers have gone from one striker option last season to three this campaign.
Cyriel Dessers continues to be the subject of criticism from Rangers supporters, but the big man bore the brunt of the goalscoring responsibility and did come good last season.
Danilo was basically a non-starter with injuries, as was Kemar Roofe, so the addition of Hamza Igamane has been met with positivity from fans.
Even if Clement says Igamane will not be ready to start games for a while.
It’s clear Rangers need a hero in the number 9 berth and as fan attentions focus on the transfer market, Alex Rae has directed them back to the squad.
For all the links to striker options this summer, perhaps the club’s leading man is already at Ibrox.
