JERMAIN DEFOE had an idea of what he would be walking into when he joined Rangers in January.

Every day, he appreciates and understands his surroundings that little bit more as his desire to bring success back to Ibrox increases.

The 36-year-old has enjoyed a sterling career at the top of the game. He has played with and against the best, pulled on his boots in some of the finest arenas in British and European football for club and country.

A switch from Bournemouth gave Defoe a chance to tick another box, to add another note to his CV. As yet, it hasn’t given him a shot at silverware, though.

That ambition will need to wait until next season - his first full one in Light Blue - as Steven Gerrard assembles a squad he hopes can finally end the long wait for a winners’ medal.

The team that does achieve those ambitions will be forever remembered by the Ibrox crowd. Defoe is determined to play his part.

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“For me, it’s been good,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to play against teams I have never played before – and to play against the top teams like Celtic and the others.

“It was important for me to have this experience and I don’t think we are too far off. I don’t think we are too far off at all. If you look at the Celtic game — and I know it’s gone – but how we controlled part of the game with 10 men.

“Credit to the boys and that should give us confidence going into next season. So I want to be a part of that.

“Even before the game the other day, we turn up at the ground to get on the bus and all the fans are there. It’s raining but they are there to get autographs.

“I remember saying to one of the players: ‘It’s unbelievable. Can you imagine what it would be like if we could actually win the league?’ It is an unbelievable support and something that surprised me, to be honest.

“We are lucky as players to have that support. Why would you not want to be a part of that. We want to finish the season strong and then look ahead to the next one.”

The deals for Defoe and Steven Davis were seen as a statement of intent from Gerrard as Rangers looked to capitalise on their Old Firm win and build some title momentum in the second half of the season.

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That hasn’t been the case, though, as too many points have been dropped and too much ground has been lost in recent weeks.

Defoe hasn’t been a mainstay of the side thus far, but the Englishman is relishing the chance to perform.

“The boys are great,” Defoe said. “I love coming into training everyday, even at my age. This is a massive club and I said a couple of weeks ago I wouldn’t want to be in another dressing room. We have some unbelievable players, I actually didn’t realise we had so many internationals until the last break.

“It’s been great. Of course, you realise how big this club is when you are here. I always knew about the history, but you don’t actually appreciate how big the club is until you experience it for yourself.

“The demands and the pressure are both always there. You need to win every game and I love that.

“As players that’s what you want. I thrive on that because in every game you want that fire in your belly.

“I go into every game believing I can score. I still have that edge going into games. Having been out the team you realise it’s an opportunity and you want to do well.

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“But I want the team to play well and win. To get a goal is a bonus.

“As forwards that’s what you’re judged on. You can have the best game in the world but if you don’t score as a striker that’s what you’re judged on.”

The goal that Defoe scored against Hearts on Wednesday night was the sixth he has netted for Rangers and was the highlight of an impressive performance at Ibrox.

Rangers had failed to win any of their previous five fixtures but the victory over the Jambos was comfortable and clinical.

Connor Goldson doubled the lead in the first half before Scott Arfield completed the scoring as Rangers took another step towards securing second place this season.

Defoe replaced the suspended Alfredo Morelos for the Premiership clash and was pleased to make the most of a starting spot.

He said: “It was good to play and it was good to win the game.

“I thought the first half an hour was brilliant, the game-plan worked and we controlled things.

“We created a lot of chances and moved the ball quickly. We scored good goals too and it was an important win for us.

“It has been difficult, but you will always get moments when you are playing every game and then you find yourself out of the team.

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“But you keep your head down and you stay positive. I always train hard because you need to make sure you are ready when you’re called upon.

“That’s what I have done. Even when you are not playing, as a forward you can come on and make a difference.

“You can always get your goals. I don’t need to knock on the manager’s door, maybe when I was younger.

“But now I wait for my chance, I don’t get too emotional because you need to be ready.”

With Morelos set for another three matches in the stands following his suspension for elbowing Scott Brown last weekend, Defoe will be given a sustained run in the team, including at Motherwell on Sunday.

Boss Gerrard was full of praise for the veteran forward after a classy showing in midweek and it was a sign of what could come as Defoe aims to get better game by game.

Defoe said: “It is always a chance, even if you don’t start and you come on. Especially as a forward. You can come on and get a chance in the last minute. I have always been like that, I have always been focused. I always work hard every day in training.

“It is important, probably more important, to train even harder when you are not playing because when you are called upon you have to be ready.”