Mark Hateley took park in a Q+A on the Rangers Youth Development Co. Twitter account on Wednesday morning.
The 57-year-old enjoyed a glittering career in the game. After starting off in England, he earned moves to the likes of AC Milan and Monaco.
Yet, some of his most successful years were spent at Ibrox. Between 1990 and 1995, he scored 87 league goals for the Gers and returned again briefly in 1997.
During that time he won nine major honours, including six league titles. Therefore, he’s as well qualified as anyone to assess the current crop under Steven Gerrard.
When a supporter asked who his favourite is, he narrowed it down to three players.
“There are a few in the team,” Hateley responded via the Rangers Youth DC Twitter account.
“I like what Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack do. Jermaine (sic) Defoe is quality. How he moved against Soutter on Saturday v Hearts was terrific. Great movement and technique for his goal.”
It’s big praise for the trio concerned and perhaps telling that two of them are relatively new recruits at Ibrox.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Hateley chose a fellow striker as one of his options.
However, it could suggest he feels Defoe is more deserving of the no.9 role than Alfredo Morelos.
Steven Gerrard has already made it clear that El Bufalo might not necessarily come straight back in [BBC Sport].
There’s certainly a decision to be made in the weeks ahead. While Morelos serves the last game of his ban, though, Defoe will be looking to get amongst the goals again on Sunday.
