Tam McManus has lauded Rangers hitman Jermain Defoe and suggested that he has put some Celtic players to shame this season.
Despite his advancing years, the 38-year-old remains a key player for the Gers and scored in their 4-0 win this past weekend.
That victory ultimately led to Rangers moving 13 points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
And although the Hoops have two games in hand, nobody would back them to win either based on their current form.
Physically, there’s quite a few Celtic players who don’t look to be at the races yet this season.
And McManus, speaking to PLZ Soccer, has compared Defoe’s longevity and condition to much younger players on the green half of the Old Firm divide.
He said: “We are talking about Jermain Defoe – 38 years old – coming into the team after a number of weeks, plays 90 minutes and [looks] fit and sharp. You compare that to some of the guys at Celtic who came into the team and looked like they have been dragged to the hedge. They looked like that they can’t play 20 minutes, forget 90 minutes.”
Sunday’s goal was Defoe’s 23rd in 23 Premiership starts since arriving at Rangers almost two years ago.
Steven Gerrard’s side have definitely benefited in a big way from the legendary marksman and as of right now, Celtic could absolutely do with somebody of his hunger and energy.
This was billed as the season when the Bhoys would win a historic 10-in-a-row.
But that’s looking increasingly unlikely and Defoe is playing his part in that.
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