Michael Beale has detailed the huge role Kemar Roofe has to play at Rangers as he revealed the 'big hole' he has left for the returning star.
Injuries have hampered his time at the Light Blues of late but he is over his latest issue and working hard to return to full fitness. He came off the bench in last week's win over Dundee United at Tannadice and is sure to be part of the squad that faces Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup semi-final at Hampden later today. The winner will advance to the final and meet holders Celtic who defeated Kilmarnock 2-0 at the same ground last night.
Beale is a huge fan of Roofe and believes when fit and healthy, he will slot right into his starting squad. Just four weeks ago he was the best player in training 'by a distance' but suffered a calf problem the day before a game which changed plans in what the Rangers gaffer described as 'devastating' for himself and his coaching team.
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Discussing the 30-year-old, the Ibrox gaffer said: “The way I’ve set the team up - I have left a big hole for Kemar to come back. You look at the whole squad and how we should play to get the most out of a Malik Tillman or Scott Arfield, for example.
“We should always have one of them on the pitch because they arrive late in the box. How do we get the best attributes out of Fashion Sakala and Roofe?
“They play near the forward, so there are two of them. Then you have Ryan Kent, Tom Lawrence, Alex Lowry or Ianis Hagi who comes and helps the midfield.
“So you try to find a blend that suits the whole squad. If Kemar can get fit and healthy, he’ll come into the team and slot right in.
“But I will only be as successful as how fit the players are. That’s why in the transfer window, I have to think: ‘if this one comes in, how will it impact someone else’? Kemar is extremely frustrated. He is a really outgoing kid, a bubbly character and a leader.
“Three or four weeks ago he was the best player in training by a distance. But the day before the game, he had a calf problem again. It was devastating for me and the team.
“I’m optimistic about Kemar now but the proof will be in the pudding. He has aims here and he is incredibly frustrated that he couldn’t help us more. But he feels if he is fit he can make a huge impact on how successful we are. I think he would say he is ready now.”
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