Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said that the arrival of Jermaine Defoe from Bournemouth is a win-win situation for both the player and the club. The England international had struggled for gametime at the Cherries where he failed to make a single league start and this eventually urged him to join the Gers on an 18-month loan.

Speaking about the move, Gerrard began by thanking Bournemouth for pushing through the deal seamlessly. He added that the marksman was equally keen on the temporary switch with the assurance of regular gametime unlike at the South Coast, he said: “To be honest Bournemouth are the key to getting Jermain here, they've been super helpful.

“I must say a huge thank you to Eddie Howe who's been very understanding. I think he's been very respectful to Jermain and his career and I think it's a win-win situation for everyone. Jermain gets the move he wants, he gets to play. He wants to score goals, we can provide that stage for him. The fans are super excited and so are the staff to work with him. I know more than most what he's about, what he's capable of.”

“Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty have been the frontline options for Rangers during the course of the ongoing campaign “and Gerrard has suggested that Defoe could feature in a two-striker partnership alongside one of the duo, provided he “can get the ground “running. Rangers are currently enjoying their best season since their top-flight comeback and they are just behind leaders Celtic by the virtue of goal difference.

Still, Brendan Rodgers’ team have the advantage with an extra game in hand and the season could be defined by the final Old Firm derby at Parkhead in March. Rangers recently got the better of Celtic before the winter break and the outcome ended a 12-match run without beating their cross-town counterparts.