GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has confirmed striker Jermain Defoe will revert to playing duties only this term following his appointment as manager at Ibrox.
The former England striker was handed a new role earlier this season as he joined Steven Gerrard's backroom team and took his first steps into coaching.
But Defoe will not be part of the behind the scenes staff that Van Bronckhorst will utilise going forward after he appointed Roy Makaay to a position overseeing the Rangers attack.
Defoe came off the bench in the closing stages of the victory over Livingston on Sunday as he made only his second appearance of the season for the champions.
And the 39-year-old will now compete with Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala for a spot in the Rangers forward line after losing his place on the Ibrox staff.
Van Bronckhorst said: "He's been really good. When I came here of course he was part of the coaching staff but also a player.
"He's also busy with his training badges, which is really good because we've already started thinking about team processes and tactical possibilities.
"But for now Jermain is still a player and we'll use him only as a player. The quality that he has is sometimes needed in games.
"Of course, Kemar has been out for the last two games. Jermain couldn't play in Europe because he wasn't eligible but I think he can still have an important role this season."
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