Rangers face forwards crisis ahead of St Johnstone clash

Rangers face a forwards crisis against St Johnstone on Saturday after boss Steven Gerrard revealed Jermain Defoe and Kyle Lafferty are both major injury doubts.

Top scorer Alfredo Morelos is suspended for the Ibrox clash following his Aberdeen red card, meaning Defoe was due to step up to lead the line against Tommy Wright's team.

However, the former England hitman has now reported a tight hamstring while Lafferty has a calf issue and Gerrard - who is also without banned goalkeeper Allan McGregor - said: It's a concern, of course it is.

But we've got good attacking players. We may have to find a different way or a different plan. We'll see how the next few hours go and hopefully they pull through.

They are both confident and I'll trust the players. I'll give them both every chance of being available and we'll go from there.''

Gerrard admits he may have to turn to youngster Dapo Mebude after recalling the teenager from Scotland Under-19s duty to provide attacking cover.

We've pulled young Dapo back from international duty just in case,'' said the Ibrox manager.

I think he's got a huge future. He's got huge potential. He's probably not ready to be thrown into the deep end just yet but I think he'd certainly be ready for a cameo.

He's come into training and hasn't looked out of place on numerous occasions.

There is no doubt about it, he will play for Rangers at some point.'

• superscoreboard