Glasgow Rangers go into this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixtures off the back of their first defeat of the season against St Mirren in the Betfred Cup, with Conor McCarthy scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to dump Steven Gerrard's side out of the competition.

Now Rangers will be looking to bounce back strongly after their League Cup exit and will want to make short work of the Steelmen, who currently occupy fifth place in the top flight.

A defeat at home to Motherwell could pose some uncomfortable questions for the Light Blues as their lead over their arch-rivals Celtic would start to shrink, which is precisely why Gerrard's side simply cannot afford to slip up once again.

The visitors also suffered a defeat to St Mirren last time out, whilst they have failed to secure a point from three out of their past four games in a row.

But the Glasgow giants have problems of their own to deal with, as Alfredo Morelos has been hit with a two-match ban by the SFA after Rangers decided not to appeal a charge for violent conduct after he caught Dundee United defender Mark Connolly in the face during the win at Tannadice on Sunday, which means he will miss the Premiership clash with Motherwell at the weekend.

Perhaps it's about time the Ibrox boss unleashes Jermain Defoe to restore order at the top of the table.

It's a decision he should've been considering for quite some time, especially when you consider the fact that Morelos has failed to score in the top flight since September.

Defoe didn't even feature against Dundee, so the wily veteran striker will surely be chomping at the bit to stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up, having been handed just a handful of minutes during the midweek defeat to St Mirren.

The 38-year-old has been recently described as a “top professional" by Rangers coach Michael Beale, who also added he is "a role model for younger players."

Defoe has delivered two goals and an assist in six games in the Premiership so far this season, while he also averages 1.3 shots per game, via WhoScored.

In two games against Motherwell, the former England international has bagged one goal and two assists in the top flight, according to Transfermarkt.

His ability to play short passes and bring others into play could be something Gerrard needs to call upon against Steven Robinson's side, which is why he must start upfront for the Gers, especially if he is to get the best out of Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe alongside him.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must reward Glen Kamara with a new contract...