Blues strike pair this time
use that knowledge to try to stop him.” And should Defoe not get the nod, the alternative – prolific Colombian internationalist Alfredo Morelos – is, Fjortoft concedes, equally formidable. “Morelos came off the bench that day, so we know how good they both are,” he said.
“In this league, the quality of those two guys is undisputable.
“When you are up against them, you can’t switch off for a second or they will punish you.
“If good opportunities come their way, then they are going to grab them.
“I believe there are a lot of good strikers in this league. But the best ones are ruthless, and Defoe and Morelos both definitely fall into that category.” Facing Rangers’ star pair would arguably be a test for any UK defender. But when your previous experience is in New Zealand and the lower leagues of Norway and the United States, it is a shock to the system.
“It has been a rapid learning curve for me,” admitted Fjortoft, who stands to get his chance today because of a run of injuries and suspensions to team-mates.
“At that same time, I know that I came here to develop and to play on the big stage. That is what I have done.
“I had always aspired to play in front of 50,000 people, so when I walked out at Ibrox I was thankful for the opportunity to play – even though the result did not go the way we would have hoped.
“I am sure that through these experiences, I have improved as a player and I would say I have a great relationship with the club and the gaffer, Brian Rice.
“What I have to do now is kick on and that is exactly what I aiming to do.”