Jermain Defoe scored in his 800th professional match on Sunday afternoon as Rangers took another step towards stopping 10 in a row with a commanding win away at Ross County – and Gers fans have responded on Twitter.
Rangers came into the match having qualified for the knockout rounds of the Europa League on Thursday, and remaining unbeaten in 24 league and cup appearances. That became 25 with a 4-0 win over Ross County.
An own goal, a Kemar Roofe finish and James Tavernier’s 16th of the campaign saw Rangers lead 3-0 when Steven Gerrard chose to bring on Defoe. It was his 800th game for clubs and country, and his 60th for Rangers.
He netted his 30th goal for Gerrard’s men – sliding home an effort from close range. It prompted praise from coach Michael Beale, among others on social media, and the Gers coach predicted a “bucket load more to come”.
Defoe, who has shown age is just a number with his form since joining Rangers from Bournemouth, is now in the final year of his contract at Rangers but has showed no signs of retiring when that deal expires in May.
Indeed, Beale’s comment got many supporters talking and a handful of Rangers fans have responded by urging their club to extend Defoe’s contract – with many requesting the striker is given another year at Ibrox.
Others want to see him get a coaching role at Rangers when he does retire. The win, meanwhile, sees Rangers go 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table – after Celtic drew with St. Johnstone.