Defoe scored on his debut for Rangers against Kilmarnock.
Barry Ferguson has claimed in his Daily Record column that Jermain Defoe looked “rusty” on his Rangers debut, despite scoring in a 2-1 loss to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Steven Gerrard opted to field a diamond-like formation that allowed the Gers to include new signing Defoe alongside top scorer Alfredo Morelos. Ryan Kent was in the hole, while Steven Davis partnered Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack in midfield.
It seemed to have worked as Defoe gave Rangers the lead, but Killie came back to earn an excellent 2-1 win and push Steve Clarke’s side into second place.
Rangers legend and ex-captain Ferguson believes Defoe was quieter than he expected the 57-time England international to be, but reckons more game time will only help the striker.
“Defoe looked a little ring rusty and was a lot quieter than expected,” Ferguson said. “He got his goal but Gerrard will want more from him as he gets sharper.
“The manager will also have to get the balance right at the heart of his defence because that’s where the problem arose the other night – and not for the first time either.”
Rangers face another difficult test as they travel to the Tony Macaroni Stadium to take on Livingston, in what promises to be a physical, tight affair. The Gers will have to find the back of the net past Rangers fan and ex-Ger Liam Kelly.
A win pushes Rangers back into second place and three points behind Celtic, as they have a much superior goal difference to Killie. The Hoops continued their dominance with a 3-0 win over Hamilton on Saturday.
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