I need to see more from Kemar but he can still raise the Roofe

Clement knows how much Gers hitman can give his side when fit

- ANDY NEWPORT

IT'S been a while since Rangers' Roofe was on fire.

But Philippe Clement reckons there is still time for Kemar to climb off the casualty list and provide the spark which ignites a title party round Ibrox.

The Light Blues boss has seen for himself what a fully fit and functioning Roofe is capable of.

That was back in 2019 when the big Belgian was still managing Club Brugge and the former Leeds United striker had just joined Anderlecht in a £7million deal.

Six goals in his first 13 games boded well for Clement's title rivals.

But as has been the case in Glasgow, Roofe proved to have a frustrating habit of breaking down just when it appeared his scoring instincts were about to burn hot.

Think back to his League Cup semi-final winner against Aberdeen at Hampden last season-after which he would register just 66 more minutes of action that term.

Or his crucial strike in Seville that saw the Ibrox outfit stun Real Betis to finish top of their Europa League section.

In the three-and-a-half months since, he's managed just one start which lasted barely quarter of an hour before he picked up another knock and a handful of substitute appearances.

He's back fit now but wasn't even considered for action ahead of Saturday's 3-1 victory over Hibs, with Clement admitting he needs to get fitter before he can force his way back in.

The Gers gaffer, however, would love to have someone with Roofe's undoubted scoring instincts available for this weekend's all-important derby showdown with Celtic.

"He's always been a natural goalscorer said the Light Blues manager. "He's someone who's really hungry to score goals and who is really active in the box and who works hard for the team also.