Rangers already have ‘very young’ Defoe replacement at Ibrox after manager reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Cedric Itten has “big boots to fill” after returning to Rangers after a loan spell at Greuther Furth.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aberdeen hitman suggested the 25-year-old would take Jermain Defoe’s place among the squad.
Speaking at his press conference on Monday (17 January), Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed he is “happy” to have Itten back in the squad and that he sees him as a “different type” of striker.
Itten’s return to Glasgow last week (January 12) coincided with Defoe leaving Ibrox on the same day.
Whelan insisted the Switzerland international would be delighted by the show of faith from his new manager.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “A new manager gives new opportunities for players that were out of the picture.
“He’s got this opportunity where he’s been recalled. That gives you trust already, the fact that you’ve been recalled from a club that you’re out on loan at. That the manager needs you and wants you as part of his plans.
“Straight away, there’s admiration for the new manager from a player’s point of view. So now he’s got to come back and show the reason why he’s called him back from this loan move.
“He’s got big boots to fill in Jermain Defoe, that’s for sure, and he can be a top replacement.
“But he brings added quality, added competition, he’s a very young age and there’s still a lot to learn.
“I’m sure that the manager wants every player that’s at Rangers to be given an opportunity.”
Itten netted twice in 12 appearances during his loan spell in Germany.
He has a total of six goals in 42 games for Rangers so far.
In other news, another Rangers exit tipped this month after source’s update.