Rangers boss Gerrard should deploy Kent up front against St. Johnstone

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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is facing something of a striker crisis going into Saturday’s game with St. Johnstone.

The Liverpool legend revealed that both Kyle Lafferty and Jermain Defoe are injury doubts ahead of the game, as reported by The Belfast Telegraph.

Lafferty is struggling with a calf issue, while Defoe has a problem with his hamstring.

With Alfredo Morelos suspended after seeing red against Aberdeen, Gerrard may have to think outside the box a bit.

The situation mirrors that of rivals Celtic, who have been unable to call on Leigh Griffiths due to personal problems or Odsonne Edouard, who has been injured.

Timo Weah is gradually being phased in, but Rodgers has been opting to shoehorn winger Oliver Burke as a striker – and perhaps Gerrard can do the same with Ryan Kent.

Gerrard should copy Celtic blueprint

Burke has started off well at Parkhead in an unnatural position, with the exception of last night’s tough game against Valencia in the Europa League.

He has looked very dangerous up top thanks to his pace and power, something than Rangers star Kent also possesses.

Kent is not as tall as Burke, but has shown he has blistering pace and dribbling.

There’s a chance he can use that asset to his advantage and get between defenders and run onto through balls laid on by the midfielders.

His lower centre of gravity could cause the St. Johnstone defenders some real problems.

Gerrard has recalled Dapo Mebude from Scotland U17 duty for extra cover, but the more experienced Kent should get the nod.

Deploying a winger up top has worked out for Celtic, so perhaps Rangers and their talented loan star Kent could have some success.