Kemar Roofe can get Rangers jump on new signings as ex Ibrox hitman insists ability never in doubt

Kemar Roofe can get a head start on any new striker signings for Michael Beale if he fights his way back to full fitness.

Rangers are in the hunt for attacking duo Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers. But former Ibrox hitman Kevin Drinkell is adamant Roofe’s proven track record at Ibrox can see him best placed for first crack at being top gun. The injury-plagued 30-year-old has had limited opportunities to shine for Beale.

Having scorched to 35 goals in his opening two campaigns at the club after being signed by Steven Gerrard, the Jamaican international endured a desperate 2022/23 term. Hammered by a succession of fitness issues, Roofe managed just six games and two goals. After returning from a long lay-off to bag the Viaplay Cup semi-final winner against Aberdeen, the former Leeds ace suffered a shoulder problem. Roofe then sustained a hip injury which required him to go for surgery.

The attacker is working his way through the post-op rehabilitation programme and back out running as he aims to be fully ready for next season. Beale hopes the striker will be available and has pencilled him into the plans for the beginning of the pre-season schedule.

Drinkell thinks that having Roofe back at his best will be a huge shot in the arm for the gaffer and the squad. Although exciting new arrivals such as Lammers and Dessers are in the pipeline, the ex-star believes the comeback man’s past experiences and proven Rangers ability can make him best of the lot.

He explained: “It would be an addition to the squad that they never really had last year. Roofe has proved that he can cope with the league itself, the competitiveness at the top end and he held his own. So it’s actually a case that having him back would be even better than