Monday 7 January 2019 20:22, UK
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes Jermain Defoe's loan move from Bournemouth is a "win-win" situation for all concerned.
The 36-year-old former England striker, who signed an 18-month loan deal with release clauses, joined up with the Rangers squad at their warm-weather training camp in Tenerife on Monday.
Speaking from their base on the Spanish island, Gerrard told Sky Sports News he was relieved to complete the move.
"To be honest Bournemouth are the key to getting Jermain here, they've been super helpful," said Gerrard.
"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.
"People talk about his age which is fine but I know the player, I know the professional.
"I know he's in a very young body, he doesn't drink, he works exceptionally hard.
"I met him recently and he's in fantastic shape so a lot of work's gone into it from myself and Mark (Allen, director of football).
"We've been monitoring the situation for a long time but it wasn't until of late that we approached Bournemouth and they've been super helpful.
Gerrard now has three strikers to choose from along with Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty.
The Rangers boss was asked if Defoe can play alongside the Colombian international.
"Yes, 100 per cent," added Gerrard. "So can Defoe and Lafferty, so can Lafferty and Morelos.
"It will just depend on the game and the opposition, who's in form and who deserves to keep the shirt.
"I think one thing that's been obvious in the first six months is that we've been heavily reliant on Alfredo, certainly early on in the European run.
"Lafferty came in and helped but it's not enough to have two strikers."
