Joe Dodoo’s goal against Burton Albion for Blackpool at the weekend has many talking once more.
It’s yet another positive for the Rangers flop, who now has four goals in four games. In truth, it’s almost like a miracle given Dodoo’s incredible goal drought beforehand.
The Rangers loan-man had only scored one goal since November 2017 before his recent run of form. He’s thrown himself in at Blackpool as a nailed-on starter as he looks to build up his reputation again after leaving Leicester for Ibrox.
Yet, does it truly mean anything for Rangers? Can there really be a way back if he keeps scoring goals for Blackpool?
The truth is, whether you rate Dodoo or not, Steven Gerrard just can’t ignore a player that scores consistently. England’s League One is by no means a poor standard of football, and if the Englishman continues to impress down at the Seasiders, who’s to say he wouldn’t get a chance back up the road?
We’re not deluded – he’s never likely to be first-choice here. In fact, he’s never likely to actually get that chance. This may, after all, simply be a small purple patch before Dodoo reverts back to type.
Goals just can’t be ignored
If it isn’t, however, Gerrard and loan-manager Billy Kirkwood can’t afford to put their fingers in their ears and ignore what Dodoo is doing. If he continues this rich vein of form that has him as a hero down south, he’ll be given a chance to impress.
Dodoo’s contract at Ibrox is up in just over 18 months’ time. Therefore, when he returns in the summer, Rangers will still have a year left with him on the payroll. Gerrard, if he can, would love to get some use out of him during that time, but it’s still down to Dodoo to prove that he can.
Alfredo Morelos isn’t going to be losing his place to the Englishman. That much we know. It also doesn’t help him that Gerrard is in the market for a third striker to battle with Kyle Lafferty.
To sum up, it’s looking more difficult than ever for Dodoo to get his shot. But he can’t allow that to affect his form at Blackpool. At the very least, Dodoo is playing to impress potential suitors.
But if he continues to smash home goals on a regular basis, is he really the disaster he was made out to be? Can he really come back and make an impact at Ibrox? Let us know what you think of the still relatively unknown Dodoo.
