When two became one

It's said that a week is a long time in politics.  For Rangers fans the next couple of days are going to feel like a decade as we wait to see if the club makes a move into the transfer market.  Many of us were already uncomfortable about the lack of depth in the striking department prior to the sight of Jermaine Defoe being stretchered off in tonight's game.

Although Defoe left the field of play looking rather uncomfortable, manager Steven Gerrard commented after the match that he was up and walking around so initial fears about the seriousness of the injury may be unfounded. However it would be a surprise if Defoe was not to miss at least a couple of games which means the clamour for a striker to be signed before the transfer window closes will continue.

The squad does have options in terms of current personnel.  Greg Stewart has played as a striker before and could indeed again but his current fitness state remains unclear with no involvement with the squad since prior to the Winter break.  Other options from within the current squad include playing Ojo or Kent through the middle and perhaps even Aribo.  This is not the natural position for any of these players and at such a crucial point of the season there is little room for experimentation.

Even without Defoe's injury this evening the lack of striking depth in the squad has been a talking point among supporters for a number of weeks.  Whilst it is hoped that Morelos can avoid further suspensions this is far from guaranteed so calls for a third striker are valid.  The problem that arises is who wants to come to Rangers and play understudy to Morelos and Defoe?

Social media is of course awash with names - with Lawrence Shankland and Sam Cosgrove both featuring heavily.  Both are very different players but I feel that it is unlikely that either would be prepared to come to Rangers at this point of the season and play second fiddle to Morelos and if he recovers from injury, Defoe.  A move in the Summer may appeal to both players, as they would have the opportunity to prove themselves to the manager and coaching team during pre-season, but this doesn't help us in the here and now.

The best option is perhaps to look to bring in an experienced striker on loan for 6-months in the same way that Defoe himself was brought in last January.  This would provide the required cover whilst ensuring that money is not wasted on signing players in a panic. Who this mystery experienced striker could be is the tricky part...

WDTCR 💙