Rangers striker Jermain Defoe might never have touched a drop of alcohol, but he promises to raise plenty of glasses to youngster Dapo Mebude in his retirement.
The Gers forward took to Instagram to praise the Ibrox Academy prospect, calling him his “little bro” and swearing that he’ll be watching him score goals for years whilst he’s at home raising a toast.
It’s high praise indeed from one of the greatest goalscorers of a generation and the eighth-highest Premier League scorer of all time.
It shows just how influential Jermain Defoe has been at Rangers off-the-field as well as on it since joining on loan from Bournemouth in January.
The veteran striker still has that lethal touch in the box and has proven it with 13 goals in 23 appearances for Rangers this season.
That’s despite playing second fiddle to Alfredo Morelos – who Defoe has also been praised for helping to develop.
Dapo Mebude made his debut for Rangers in the 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in the final game of last season and he has been tipped for big things at Ibrox.
The influence of Jermain Defoe can only help develop this as Rangers youngster Mebude hopes to come through the Academy and make the grade at Ibrox.
Defoe’s training ground influence will also have had a hand in discussions over the player’s future.
With his contract expiring at Bournemouth come the end of the season, the sounds coming out of Ibrox suggest he’s set to be offered a permanent deal in Glasgow [Rangers].
