Leon Balogun has declared it was “good to see” Kemar Roofe return from injury for Rangers on Wednesday night as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side edged into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Dundee.
Roofe, 29, was named in the Rangers squad after failing to make a single appearance this season through injury. But he came on for the last 20 minutes of his side’s 1-0 win over Dundee. Steven Davis scored the only goal of the game.
A crucial win for the Gers, and a clean sheet, as they keep their League Cup hopes alive. They will now face Aberdeen in the semi-finals at Hampden Park – while Old Firm rivals take on Kilmarnock. The games will be played in 14/15 January.
But with Rangers struggling in the Champions League and ultimately, and still two points behind Celtic in the League, they need a spark. Roofe can provide that. He took to Instagram to underline his delight to Rangers fans at returning.
Balogun: Good to see Roofe return from injury for Rangers
With Alfredo Morelos’ future, and game time, under scrutiny – and Antonio Colak more of a target man, Roofe offers a bit more. A bit more speed, and the versatility to play out wide, off the striker or even in the no.10 role.
It is a big boost for the under-pressure van Bronckhorst. Anything other than a win last night and there might have been some calls for the Dutch gaffer’s head. He needs a trophy, a League Cup or a Scottish Cup at least, this term.
Having Roofe back in the side will help him do that. Now, it is about getting Roofe up to speed and back to the levels of fitness that Rangers fans have seen from him in his 73 Rangers outings, in which he has scored 34, and created five.
Balogun responded to Roofe’s Instagram post. He posted an eight-word verdict on his return from injury, underlining his delight at seeing the £26,000-a-week attacker back in action for the Ibrox club.
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