NOT only did Jermain Defoe grab a goal in last night’s friendly win over Nice, he also gained some vital match sharpness ahead of the new season.
Defoe opened the scoring for Gers in a 2-0 win to secure Trophee Veolia, and the striker was thrilled with the workout he got.
Speaking to RangersTV, he explained: "I think that was the main objective to come here in pre-season to get your fitness in difficult conditions as it was really warm out there.
"I thought the performance was good - both the performances were good as we played against two top teams, so to win both game like we did with clean sheets, we are happy.
"I felt really strong. The first 20 minutes was difficult as you get your second wind, but the second half, I felt really strong which is down to the work we did in lockdown, but all the boys have worked so hard.
"It has been different for everyone having a long period away from training, and even though we have had our individual programmes, it's not the same as training collectively.
WATCH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE
"Everyone has worked hard and hopefully onwards and upwards."
Defoe’s goal came from Joe Aribo superbly winning the ball back in midfield before a flowing move involving Glen Kamara and Ryan Kent put Defoe in for a clinical finish.
He continued: "It is something we have worked on in training, regaining the ball and going at speed - with the players we have got, when we do that we are at our best.
"It was a good weight of pass by Kenty and then I just had to make sure my touch was tight to get my finish.
"But the two games have been a good test for us, and to win both games was really good."
WATCH JERMAIN'S GOAL HERE
Jamie Barjonas grabbed goal number two in injury time, with Defoe impressed with what the club’s young Academy graduates have added to the trip.
He added: "It's not always easy for the younger lads to come in and coming off the bench like that, it's always difficult.
"But Barjo, it was a nice finish and he made it look easy. There are some great youngsters coming through at this football club and as senior players, we are trying to test them everyday and keep them going as you want them to improve and you want them to get into the first-team and play for this amazing football club.
"Credit to Barjo, he did well and it was a good finish."