As Rangers striker Kemar Roofe hammered in a double against Dunfermline, not only did this highlight a player on form.
Roofe, 28, has cut a determined figure in pre-season as he looks to get a run of games and make a big impression on the Ibrox side and support this season.
But in netting three goals in his first two games of the season – only one of which has been a start – perhaps it highlights just how big a miss the player was in Rangers’ Champions League qualification effort.
Kemar is banned the Rangers’ European qualification efforts this summer with a four-game suspension for a clash with Slavia Prague goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar upheld by UEFA.
In a match overshadowed by a disgraceful incidence of racist abuse – and the continuing online hum of racism in the aftermath – Roofe was shown red for the challenge which fractured Kolar’s skull.
It’s been a bitter blow to the club’s chances in the Champions League and alongside Glen Kamara – suspended for his reaction to racist abuse – both players have been sorely missed.
The form of Roofe also highlights just how big a contribution the striker could’ve made himself had he been available. The striker has already netted 21 Rangers goals in just 38 games.
Whilst there is no doubt that Rangers should still be beating a team like Malmo, the Gers were decidedly short in the final third and Roofe’s presence a sizeable miss.
The striker was also understandably unavailable for Rangers’ 1-0 defeat to Dundee United last weekend which brought an end to a 40 game undefeated streak.
https://twitter.com/RangersGoals/status/1426300264559124483
Had the striker being playing – Roofe missed the game to care for his young son who was hospitalised with bronchitis – would the result have been different?
The player’s early performances this season and his leadership credentials on and off the pitch mean Kemar could be amongst the most important players to Rangers this season.
Already in his career has Roofe’s potent goalscoring record caught the eye, but had he been available during the last week perhaps Rangers would still have their own eyes on a £30m+ prize.
Meanwhile, Gers fans have been praising one Ibrox star for responding to the critics with some answers of his own.
