‘DEFOE CAN GO ON AND ON AS IBROX SCORER’

Gerrard was delighted to conclude the business, saying: ‘On the evidence of what I see, the shape of his body, the goals he’s scoring, his movement and how he lives his life, I don’t know, he could go on and on.

‘Even when I played with him in his mid-20s, I knew he’d play longer than most because of his professionalism, his diet.

‘He is relentless in terms of his gym work; a first-in, last-out mentality. I always predicted he would be one that would go to the end.

‘Somebody who, touch wood, doesn’t pick up many injuries. In terms of putting a date on it, will it be the end of next year or the year after, only really Jermain can tell you that because he’s the one who’s living it.

‘He loves the game more than anyone. He’s certainly not doing this for financial reasons. He’s as hungry as he ever was. You can talk about football at any level to

Jermain.

‘I admire his hunger and his dedication and that’s why it is good news because he contributes and makes this team and squad a lot stronger.’

Defoe described confirming his extended stay with the Scottish top-flight title contenders as ‘really special’.

‘The support here was just something I’ve never seen before — and I have played for some great clubs,’ he added.

‘I can understand why the manager said what he said to me when I first met him before I signed — and I am delighted I decided to come here and to sign another contract.’

STEVEN GERRARD last night claimed Jermain Defoe could have several years of scoring firepower left in him as the striker signed a new contract to remain at Rangers next season.

The 37-year-old will lead the line in today’s Ladbrokes Premiership game at

Hearts, seeking to add to his 12 league goals this term.

Defoe will now be at Ibrox for his 38th birthday in October and beyond, thanks to a deal which sees his loan spell at Rangers become permanent once his Bournemouth contract expires this summer.

Former England team-mate