JERMAIN DEFOE is confident he and Alfredo Morelos will continue to push either other along and hit the goal trail for Rangers this term.
The Englishman was the hat-trick hero at Ibrox on Sunday as Steven Gerrard’s side romped to a terrific 6-1 victory over Hibernian.
After scoring twice in the first half, Defoe clinched his perfect hat-trick and the win for the Light Blues shortly after Paul Heckingbottom’s side had been reduced to ten men.
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Morelos then came off the bench to hit a clinical brace to continue his impressive start to the campaign, while Sheyi Ojo rounded off the scoring on a pleasing afternoon for the Gers.
Boss Gerrard has a tough call to make ahead of the Europa League clash with Midtjylland on Thursday night and Defoe is relishing the competition with Morelos once again this term.
He said: “I thought the first 30 minutes was a top performance. The message before the game was to start quick, get the high press and intensity, and we did that.
“I can imagine it was a difficult afternoon for Hibs. It was a top performance and I’m delighted with the win.
“When Alfredo scored the first one I thought he’d get a hat trick as well! It’s good for us.
“It’s something I’ve had a lot over the years, when you come in you have to perform.
“Alfie scored 30 goals last season so you know he’s going to score goals. I’m glad he does and it means I can be managed.
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“I missed the last two games and came in to this one fresh. I felt sharp right from the beginning. It’s about the squad, not even just the guys who played today. There’s going to be a lot of games so we’re going to need everyone if we’re going to have a good year.
“Would I be disappointed not to start the next game? Maybe when I was younger.
“Of course you want to play as many games as you can but the manager is smart enough to know the senior lads – and I don’t say older lads – have to be managed. It’s important so you can put in those performances.”
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