JERMAINE DEFOE scored his 300th club goal when he sidefooted the second into the Livingston net as Rangers eased to a 2-0 win at Ibrox yesterday.
Amazingly, the 38-year-old striker admitted he had FORGOTTEN he was on 299 before the game as Steven Gerrard’s men opened up a six-point lead on Celtic who were held to a 3-3 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The former England international star, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “Before the game, I actually forgot, which to be honest was a good thing because if I had been thinking about it during the game maybe that goal wouldn’t have come. Maybe I would have snatched at the chance.
“When it went in, I was delighted, but when they reminded me after I was even more delighted because I enjoyed it, it was a good goal.”
Defoe, who netted his first goal more than 20 years ago for West Ham against Walsall, revealed the move was planned.
He said: “I spoke to Tav. When he gets the ball, if I can disguise my run like I am coming short and then spin in behind, I know he has that range of passing.
“As it came over my shoulder, I just felt like I had to hit it first time. I obviously stayed relaxed with the finish. When I watched it back, it was a good one.”
Defoe’s big moment arrived in the 16th minute to follow Joe Aribo’s opener for the Gers who always looked in control.
Gerrard rotated his squad following Thursday’s Europa League win over Standard Liege, with Aribo and Defoe among five players coming in.
The opening goal arrived in nine minutes after Ianis Hagi dispossessed ex-Celt Efe Ambrose and set up Defoe. His shot was stopped by the goalkeeper’s legs, but the midfielder showed good awareness to square to Aribo, who swept the ball into the empty net.
The second goal came from James Tavernier’s accurate ball over the top. Defoe got in between the Livi centre-backs and did not break stride as he met the ball as it dropped.
