Defoe reaches career milestone with style as he hits 300th goal

Je r m a i n Defoe was delighted to hit a career milestone in style after netting his 300 th club goal in Rangers’ 2-0 victory over Livingston at Ibrox.

The 38-year-old swivelled before running in behind the Livi defence and meeting Ja m e s Tavernier’s lofted pass first time with his left foot as the ball dropped.

The former England striker had forgotten he was on 299 club goals before the game but he admitted it was special to be reminded of his feat as he watched the impressive goal back.

Defoe said: “Before the game I actually forgot, which to be honest was a good thing because if I had been thinking about it during the game maybe that goal wouldn’t have come, maybe I would have snatched at the chance.”

Defoe, who netted his first goal more than 20 years ago for West Ham against Walsall, revealed the move was pre-planned.

“I spoke to Tav,” he said. “When he gets the ball, if I can disguise my run like I am coming short and then spin in behind, I know he has that range of passing. As it came over my shoulder I just felt like I had to hit it first time.”

The win sent Rangers six points clear at the top of the Scottish

Premiership after Celtic, who have a game in hand, were held to a 3-3 draw by Aberdeen hours earlier.

Goals from Joe Aribo and Defoe had Rangers two ahead inside 16 minutes, although they lost much of their verve after half-time.

Ho w e v e r, Defoe insisted they are not paying much attention to the league table.

He said: “It’s important we just focus on ourselves, take each game as it comes, keep working hard, keep believing that we can improve. Just focus on ourselves, we can’t take our foot off the gas, just keep going.”

Livingston manager Gary Holt was encouraged by his side’s second-half showing as substitutes Josh Mullin and Alan Forrest both forced saves from Allan McGregor.

“I thought we had a lot of positives, especially second half,” Holt said. “We changed the system and Josh gave us more of an out ball, another threat going forward.

“We were more on the front foot second half, more aggressive against our opposite numbers, were in their faces a bit better and made it more difficult.

“Rangers are a good side. They get into areas, they pull you about, but the two goals we conceded were very soft from a defensive unit.”

Three-ton wait: Jermain Defoe makes light of it.