I want to be the best, says fit-again Reggae Boy Roofe

GLASGOW, Scotland (CMC):

REGGAE BOY Kemar Roofe said last weekend’s goal in his first start in nearly 16 months was just “another stepping stone”, in a bid to return to the top, following a protracted injury spell.

The 30-year-old, who made his debut for Jamaica two years ago, was limited to just six appearances in all competitions last season, as he battled a series of injuries.

Last Saturday, he got on the scoresheet in the 22nd minute at Victoria Park, as Rangers brushed aside Ross County 2-0.

“Obviously, it’s (the injuries) still in the back of my head and I still have a lot of work to do,” Roofe said.

“This is just the start and another stepping stone. Every week, I want to get better. I haven’t rushed back and the gaffer has been really good with me.

“He believes in me and the belief gives me the trust to be patient.”

He continued: “I can’t put into words how tough it’s been. If I explained it all, you wouldn’t understand it unless you’ve been through it.

“But I’m not here for sympathy or to complain. It’s part of the game, it’s life. Hopefully, this will be the last of it and I can kick on now.”

Following several loan spells at the start of his career, Roofe made his breakthrough at League Two side Oxford United and Championship outfit Leeds, before signing at the Ibrox here in the summer of 2020, for a fee in the region of four and a half million pounds sterling.

He was prolific in his first campaign, knocking in 18 goals in all competitions before being sidelined by injury last season.

INJURY STRUGGLES

After overcoming his injury struggles, Roofe said he was looking to stamp his authority again.

“Without sounding arrogant, I don’t play football just to be another number,” said the England-born forward.

“I play to win and to score. I want to be the best. This is what I’ve worked so hard for. I’ve stayed mentally strong through the hard times because I knew that at some point, I’d get back.

“When I got a chance, I knew I had to be ready. The gaffer knows what I can do and he’s put his trust in me.”

He added: “It’s massive to score. Even in training, I celebrate every goal inside. It’s important for me. That’s why I play football, to win games and score goals.”

Despite his goal at the weekend, Roofe will miss Rangers’ Champions League playoff against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, as he was not registered due to his injury layoff.

However, he said his focus was already on Rangers’ next league clash against Celtic.

“Obviously, I would have loved a chance on Wednesday night. But the timing wasn’t right and I’m now looking forward to Celtic next week,” he said.

“I’ll always turn up for big games and be ready. I knew before the European squad was announced and he (manager) told me the plan.

“It’s a long season. Hopefully, the boys do the business against PSV, qualify and I’ll be available.”