As Kyle Lafferty signs for Rangers fans have greeted the move with optimism.
The 6’3 frontman will also have Celtic’s shaky defence quaking in their boots. He scored more goals against them than Rangers did last year.
He’s also put them to the sword already this season.
Kyle Lafferty has already done Rangers a solid this season by scoring the winner v Celtic at Tynecastle. (photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Lafferty comes with a reputation for scoring in big matches, with his final day, title winning hattrick against Kilmarnock the best of a superb bunch during a trophy laden first spell.
He also brings experience and maturity in a position which is lacking it. The fiery, on form Alfredo Morelos is only 22. Umar Sadiq, on-loan from Roma, is yet to burst on to the scene.
However, Morelos is very much the number one man at Ibrox at the minute. Lafferty signing won’t change that.
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Can Lafferty and Morelos play together?
Lafferty will be in competition with the on-fire Colombian for a starting berth in the current system. Competition is good, but is there a way both can fit into the team?
Gerrard has spoken in the past about the need for pragmatism and flexibility on a game by game basis. It’s likely that he’ll drill the squad for a 3-5-2 formation, because Rangers certainly have the players to fill. At CB, only just.
Alfredo Morelos is very much the on-form player at Ibrox and won’t be relinquishing his striking berth easily. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
3-5-2 might just work for Rangers
With Flanagan, Goldson and Katic in front of McGregor, Tavernier and Barisic could act as wing backs.
With the triangle in the middle remaining intact, it would leave space for Lafferty to play alongside the Colombian.
It would be an interesting blend for Rangers and the team would certainly look a pretty solid unit setting up like this.
Steven Gerrard has the type of managerial headache that most coaches would love to have. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Whatever Gerrard plans to do with Lafferty in the team, it’s exciting times for Rangers.
It’s been a long time since fans have had such diverse options and opportunity up front. How to fit Lafferty into the team is a good problem to have.