Mark Warburton gives verdict on Rangers 28-year-old, states key attributes
By Harvey Byrne
Mark Warburton hailed Joe Garner’s performance against Aberdeen on Saturday as “excellent,” stating that he has a “first class work ethic and desire.”
The 28-year-old received criticism for his display against the Dons with some stating that he was more interested in hurting his opponents, rather than having an effect with the ball.
However, manager Warburton was impressed by his performance and highlighted how his physical presence up the field benefited his team.
“Joe Garner I thought was excellent on Saturday, he gave us an aerial outlet as well, won a number of first balls, showed his physicality, his presence and the dynamism of his movements,” said Warburton to the official club website.
“So there is an outlet for us as long as it is a cultured forward ball we will find him.
“The best thing to do is always find the space behind and what our job to do is to find that and we will keep working on that. Teams will press on and we have to find the answers to that.
“The nonsense that is written about Joe Garner, I haven’t got to defend him, how am I going to defend him?
“He scored three goals in six games but he is coming in finding his feet, finding out what it means to play for a club of this stature. He is an experienced pro and I have no doubts about him.
“I am delighted for him and was delighted our crowd could see what Joe is all about; he has a first class work ethic and desire.
“You see his movement, his ability and his qualities were there for everyone to see on Saturday.
“He enjoys his football and has a desire to play, he enjoys the game and he is learning how we play, he gets more of the ball in different areas of the park with runners going beyond him and there will be certain elements which are new to him.
“He is a good pro, a good learner, a smart guy and he is picking up things very quickly.”
Garner made the switch to the Scottish giants in the summer from Championship outfit Preston in a £1.8million deal.
He has struggled to make an impact in his first few appearances at the club with just three goals and one assist in 13 encounters.
However, his scoring form at Preston saw him net 57 goals in 151 appearances and he will be keen to recapture that form.
Despite Garner’s struggles, Rangers are sat in second place in the Scottish Premiership after winning promotion last season.
It looks as though they may have to settle for a runner-up place in the league with fierce rivals Celtic eight points clear, playing three games less.
However, second brings a Europe League play-off spot and fans will be delighted after going into administration just four years a go.
In other Rangers news, this manager responded to reports saying the Gers had been offered 26-year-old.