McAvennie hails Gerrard’s influence as Rangers secure ‘great catch’ with new Defoe deal | OneFootball

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Football Insider

·17 June 2021

McAvennie hails Gerrard’s influence as Rangers secure ‘great catch’ with new Defoe deal

Article image:McAvennie hails Gerrard’s influence as Rangers secure ‘great catch’ with new Defoe deal

Frank McAvennie insists it’s a “great catch” for Rangers to keep Jermain Defoe at Ibrox for another year.

The Celtic icon, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the striker will be doing significantly more coaching than playing next season.


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Last week (8 June), Rangers confirmed Defoe had agreed terms for a new one-year deal that will see him take on a player-coach role.

This follows the handing out of new deals to James Tavernier and Allan McGregor.

Speaking to TalkSPORT on 28th March, Defoe claimed he wants to play one more “personal” season to “finish in front of the fans”.

Defoe, 38, made 20 appearances for the Ibrox club last season and bagged seven goals.

This is a significant drop in game time after the striker made 32 appearances during the 2019/20 campaign.

McAvennie expects this trend to continue next season as Defoe moves into his new role.

“I think he’ll be doing more coaching, that’s where he sees himself now,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“It’s a great catch for Steven Gerrard, he obviously has such an influence. Defoe, for a wee guy, he has huge stature.

“Look at what he’s done in the game. Everywhere he goes he scores goals. I’ve said before that I think he’s been good for Alfredo Morelos.

“And again, as a young striker, there is no one better to learn from than Jermain Defoe.”

Article image:McAvennie hails Gerrard’s influence as Rangers secure ‘great catch’ with new Defoe deal

Defoe won the first league title of his career as the Gers lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy last season.

He initially joined Rangers on loan from Bournemouth in January 2019.

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