Defensive improvements key for "rock solid" Rangers' "peak form" says former striker

Goals from Kemar Roofe and Glen Kamara had Rangers ahead of St Johnstone at half-time in Perth, but despite the comfort of the first-half performance, it was the Rangers rearguard who impressed BBC pundit Billy Dodds.

Rangers' Glen Kamara (right) celebrates making it 2-0 with Kemar Roofe during a Scottish Premiership match between St Johnstone and Rangers at McDiarmid Park, on December 23, 2020, in Perth, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

The Scotland striker, who played for both the Saints and current SPFL Premiership league leaders during his career, has seen Rangers hit 53 league goals this term but says the year-on-year defensive improvements have lifted Steven Gerrard’s team – an they are now motoring throughout the squad.

But picking out the back-line specifically, Billy Dodds said: “I can’t say Rangers were great defensively last year, this season they look rock solid.”

Speaking on BBC Scotland he added: "McGregor doesn’t want to lose goals, they’re defending better as a back four, Helander has brought a bit of stability – Balogun has as well.

"Barisic is defending better, even though he gets forward, and every department of the Rangers team looks at the peak of their form just now.”

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