Defoe relishing battle to lead the line for Rangers

Jermain Defoe said he's excited to see what Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten bring to Rangers.

Defoe relishing battle to lead the line for Rangers SNS

Jermain Defoe has backed himself to win the battle to lead the line for Rangers despite the arrival of two big-money forward signings.

The Ibrox side completed moves for Anderlecht attacker Kemar Roofe and St Gallen prospect Cedric Itten this week.

Defoe now faces added competition for minutes in a light blue jersey but the veteran striker insists the challenge is one he’ll relish.

Asked if he fancied his prospects of achieving regular game-time this season, the former England international said: “I’d like to think so. In terms of numbers that season it’s probably the best I’ve had in years.

“It’s part and parcel of the game if you want to achieve something now.

“I’ve never been one to take my foot off the gas, you know that if you get an opportunity you have to take it.

“It’s tough for the manager but is something you need.

On the arrival of former Leeds star Roofe, he added: “I remember watching him at Leeds and he really impressed me.

“I’m delighted we’ve got someone like that, I just want to achieve something special here.

“The demand, you have to win trophies, that is something I crave.

“When new players come in to strengthen the squad, for me it is exciting as hopefully it will lead to something special.”

Alfredo Morelos is linked with a move away from Rangers. <strong>SNS</strong>”/><cite class=cite>SNS</cite></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>Alfredo Morelos is linked with a move away from Rangers. <strong>SNS</strong> <cite class=hidden>SNS</cite></figcaption></figure><p>Rangers’ recruitment drive in the forward areas comes as talisman Alfredo Morelos continues to be linked with a move away from Ibrox.</p><p>Defoe tipped the Colombian international to go from strength-to-strength in the years to come.</p><p>Speaking at the launch of Rangers’ new club superstore, he said: “The sky is the limit for him, he’s a natural goalscorer.</p><p>“I believe when you’re a natural goalscorer you’ll score goals at any level given the chances.</p><p>“From day one, he really impressed me with his hunger for goals.</p><p>On the speculation around a potential move, Defoe said: “If I was Alfredo I wouldn’t even think about it, I’d put my phone down.</p><p>“Get your head down and play football, let your football do the talking.”</p><p>Pundit Jamie O’Hara hit the headlines after claiming the Bournemouth manager position was a more enticing job than the role at Rangers.</p><p>Defoe, who used to play for the Cherries, laughed off the comments.</p><p>The 37-year-old continued: “I know Jamie O’Hara, he’s that sort of character, he’s not shy.</p><p>“To be totally honest, when I saw it, I laughed, I couldn’t beleive it.</p><p>“I was thinking, ‘Jamie, why say that?’. I listened to Ally McCoist, it was funny what he had to say.</p><p>“It’s a difficult one for me because I played for Bournemouth but let’s be honest, there is no comparison.</p><p>“The size of this football club, it’s unbelievable. What he said was laughable.”</p><div class=
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