Roofe reveals Van Bronckhorst message
KEMAR ROOFE is confident Rangers can continue heading in the right direction under the guidance of new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Dutchman recorded a third successive win since replacing Steven Gerrard as manager on Wednesday night as his side clinched a 1-0 victory away to Hibernian.
Roofe kept his cool and slotted home a late penalty after Ryan Kent was brought down by defender Ryan Porteous inside the area. It could prove to be a decisive moment in the Premiership title race this term as the champions aim to build some momentum through a key run of top flight fixtures.
And Roofe was pleased to be able to play his part in the hardfought win as he stepped off the bench and marked his return to the side with his 10th goal of the campaign for Rangers.
“It was good to get back on the pitch first and foremost and then obviously to help the team win the game,” Roofe told RangersTV. “We fought hard before I came on and me, Scotty [Arfield] and Lunny [John Lundstram] managed to help get us over the line.
“We have played three games and we have got three wins. It is a very positive start and it is going in the right direction. [The manager’s message was] energy, run, secure the ball and bring some quality. I tried my best to do that. I was picturing [scoring in front of the Rangers fans] in my head when I was warming up.
“If I came on in the second half, I was going to be shooting in front of our fans. It was good to get a goal. I think I missed two games and could maybe have pushed for the third. But it was better off just keeping it sensible and it has paid off. I am ready.”