Danny Mills has backed Jermaine Defoe to be a top addition to Rangers’ coaching team - comparing him to Liverpool veteran James Milner.
Mills, a former Manchester City and England defender told Football Insider that Defoe offers a variety of assistance both on and off the pitch.
He said: “As long as the deal’s right financially I think it’s good to keep him around,
“He’s obviously a very, very good professional and sets a very good example of high standards.
“He’ll also be very handy to have off the bench from time to time when they need a goal.”
The 38-year-old has scored seven goals in 20 appearances for the club, mostly playing his part coming off the bench.
He has been capped 57 times for England and played at the highest levels of English football, making him an inspiration for Rangers’ youth, according to Mills.
He said: “The younger players can learn from him a lot in training. It’s that bridge in training for younger players.
“It’s like what James Milner has done at Liverpool. Rangers have now found their own [Milner]. He might have played more than Defoe has, but he’s also offered something off the field other than just playing.
“If the deal is right, it’s not about him playing but about what else he brings to the football club.
“It’s better and more financially prudent to keep him around than bringing somebody else in to do that job.”
READ MORE: Rangers' pre-season training plans thrown into jeopardy as Portugal trip could be scrapped
Rangers are likely to be full of optimism going into next season after their historic unbeaten campaign won them their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011.
They begin their title defence against Livingston on July 31 at Ibrox.
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