STEVEN Gerrard hailed Jermain Defoe a "predator" after the striker fired Rangers to a 1-0 victory over St Mirren, adding: "He's as hungry now as he was when he was 17."

The 37-year-old, on loan from Cherries, also netted against Stranraer on Friday and has now scored 16 goals in 28 appearances this season.

And with leading frontman Alfredo Morelos suspended, Defoe's contribution has been vital for the Glasgow club, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership, two points behind bitter rivals Celtic with a game in hand.

"JD has been big for us," said Gerrard.

"Two starts on the spin and two goals. He's a predator in the box. It's the reason why I brought him in.

"He is still hungry in the 90th minute. He’s as hungry now as he was when he was 17."

Defoe rejoined Cherries from Sunderland in the summer of 2017, but started just 16 games and scored four goals before joining Rangers on loan in January 2019. He has played 48 times for the Ibrox outfit, scoring 24 goals.

The former England international's contract at Vitality Stadium is due to expire this summer.