Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has raved about Kemar Roofe, who is set to turn out against Celtic for the first time this weekend [Scottish Herald].
The Gers signed Roofe from Anderlecht in August for a reported £3.5m [Scottish Sun] and he endured a relatively slow start to life at Ibrox, with a calf injury picked against Lincoln Red Imps in September ruling him out for around a month, ensuring he missed the first Old Firm of the season.
Since returning to action away at Standard Liege in late October, though, he’s been outstanding.
The 27-year-old scored a spectacular goal off the bench that night and has struck ten times in 14 appearances since his comeback.
He’s excelled when leading the line and when playing in a support role, and his manager has heaped praise on him prior to Saturday’s derby.
“He’s been a pleasure to coach and to manage,” said Gerrard [Scottish Herald]. “He’s very low maintenance. He comes in and does everything that’s asked of him.”
“He’s very thorough in his preparation, he works extremely hard and he trains the way he plays…He’s an example to everyone else and the goals speak for themselves. He’s done that throughout his career but it’s been a real eye-opener to be around him.
“We have been surprised by his leadership skills and qualities and to appreciate how much of a winner he is. So to have him available as part of our squad now that he’s fully fit is really exciting going into this game.”
This is extremely high praise from Gerrard for a player who has established himself as a near-guaranteed pick in Rangers’ strongest XI through his performances in recent times.
Roofe has the guile and quality to excel amidst the rough and tumble of an Old Firm battle and given that it’s his first appearance in the fixture, he’ll no doubt be particularly keen to make an impact.
The former Leeds United star could prove key to the home side’s hopes as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table to a whopping 19 points.
Roofe is almost certain to be named in the starting XI, but Gerrard does face a major selection dilemma in a key position ahead of the game.
