Jermain Defoe’s future at Rangers is coming slightly under scrutiny, for despite how much we love the veteran striker, he has once again lost his place in the domestic sense and is now making way for the new generation of Rangers forwards.

With just 9 outings this season, and just 6 of those in the Premiership, despite Defoe’s omission from the Europa squad on the grounds of saving him for the SPL at his own request, nevertheless manager Steven Gerrard has been loathe to use him much on that front either.

And of course, no one could blame anything Stevie is doing, such is our stellar season on every angle this campaign.

But we did think we’d see a bit more of the ex-Spurs star, albeit when we look at his age it’s understandable that his presence this season is very much dwindling.

He’s still got it, don’t get us wrong – four goals and two assists in the 9 appearances still shows the quality he has.

But Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe have really emerged this season and especially the past two months as being preferred to Defoe, and that’s altogether fine.

Defoe is a dignified chap and he knows his time on the playing field is coming to an end – and there are few Rangers fans who think he’d be anything other than an excellent coach.

He strikes us as extremely wise, and knowledgeable, and few in the game command the respect and attention he does. He’s also a damn nice bloke, and he could well have a place at Auchenhowie once he does hang up his boots.

But end of the day, his presence in the squad clearly isn’t hurting the players around him, and all they can do is keep learning.

And all Rangers can do is keep winning.