Rangers extended their lead to 19 points with victory over Celtic
Steven Gerrard has provided Rangers fans with an update on Kemar Roofe’s fitness after the forward lasted just 45 minutes of Saturday’s derby.
Roofe has been on fine form of late, but failed to emerge for the second half at Ibrox.
Gerrard’s side had been outplayed in the first 45, and ahead of a crucial second period Roofe was withdrawn and Ianis Hagi thrown in.
The league leaders were handed a major boost on 62 minutes when Bobby Madden showed Nir Bitton a red card for denying Alfredo Morelos a clear goalscoring opportunity, and they took advantage eight minutes later when they forced a Callum McGregor own goal.
That result means Rangers are now 19 points clear the top of the Premiership, albeit having played three games more than their rivals.
Roofe is expected to be a crucial player in the remainder of the campaign, but Gerrard is currently unsure as to the extent of his injury.
Speaking on Rangers TV, he said: “It was on our mind in terms of myself and the coaching staff to make a change because we weren’t happy with the front three in the first 45 minutes.
“It was a stroke of luck really – or not luck in-terms of the injury as Kemar has a niggle in his quad which we will have to assess and hope he is back fit.
“But it actually played into my hands to get Ianis onto the pitch and I thought he was outstanding in the second half.
“Ianis takes on information really well and I thought he was really brave to receive the ball in the wide areas.
“Ianis basically produced in the second 45 what we were looking for from our 10s in the whole game.
“So credit to him, but it is a bit of a blow losing Kemar.”
Rangers will be keen to have Roofe available for their next fixture, with Aberdeen the opponents at Pittodrie on Sunday.
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