Gerrard keen to temper expectations
KEMAR ROOFE has become an overnight internet sensation, but manager Steven Gerrard won’t push him into the limelight before he is ready this season.
The striker made shockwaves around the world following his stunning goal in Rangers’ victory over Standard Liege on Thursday night. It was a showcase of just what Roofe is capable of.
With Alfredo Morelos, Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe all vying for a starting spot, Gerrard isn’t short of options or selection headaches in the final third.
And that is why he will give former Anderlecht star Roofe time to properly get up to speed following an injury disrupted first few months in Glasgow.
He said: “Look, we have gone for him for a reason, we really believe in him and trust him that when he is at his best he can contribute heavily to this team.
“That is in terms of scoring goals and creating goals but also his work ethic out of possession and what he can give to the team when he is leading the line. He is also more of a hybrid forward, so he can play with a 9 as well, which is really helpful when we have players like Jermain, Alfredo and Cedric.
“The good thing about Cedric and Kemar is that they can play with a No. 9 as well, so it is really interesting. We need to get Kemar up to speed. I don’t think we have had him yet at 100 per cent.
“He got really close to that before he got his latest injury and then he missed a month, which was frustrating for everyone. I think everyone is expecting me to all of a sudden plunge him in every game now because of the goal, but that won’t be the case.
“We will treat him with care and we will get him up to speed at the right time. When he is ready, he will come back into the team.”
Given the schedule that Rangers have coming up in the next few weeks, there will be plenty of chances for Roofe to play his part in the Premiership and Europe.
The deal for highest- profile
Gerrard made
Roofe was the move that during the
summer window and he also has goals against Kilmarnock and Dundee United to his credit. More will surely follow.
Gerrard said: “We had a real, good idea of what we were bringing in. We had obviously watched him and monitored him for a long time.
“I watched him at Oxford and Leeds, even before I became a coach. We were certainly aware of the player’s ability and talent. I think it was a real big coup from the club getting him in the door.
“We have seen moments and flashes of his quality. Obviously people will talk about his goal on Thursday night for a long time and rightly so. But for me as the manager I need Kemar Roofe 100- per- cent fit and robust and ready to churn games out. That’s when he’ll be an even bigger help to the team.
“But we are really happy with him. It’s been disappointing not to have him for the last month, so hopefully he can remain fit and healthy and keep producing the goods for the team.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard insists Rangers won’t get carried away with their fine form as they look to maintain their momentum.
Gerrard added: “The squad is in a better place in terms of personnel and quality. I think we had a real positive window.
“Time will tell. The challenges are going to come thick and fast. The important thing for us is to not get carried away, remain humble and keep the players in the right zone.
“We have got a lot of belief and confidence that we can continue to get results but we have to go and prove that.”