Steven Gerrard: Alfredo Morelos relishing renewed Rangers competition for places
Steven Gerrard believes Alfredo Morelos is relishing the renewed competition for places in Rangers’ frontline.
Despite being continually linked with a move away from Ibrox in the summer transfer window, the Colombian has remained at the club.
In the same period, Kemar Roofe has joined in a £4.5m move from Belgium side Anderlecht while Rangers also have Jermain Defoe and Switzerland international Cedric Itten at their disposal.
It has meant Gerrard has been able to alternate his front three as Rangers successfully balance games both domestically and abroad.
They currently sit unbeaten at the top of the Scottish Premiership, six points ahead of second-placed Celtic and joint-top of their Europa League group following Thursday night’s 1-0 win over Lech Poznan.
Morelos came off the bench to score the winner against the Polish side with Gerrard delighted at how he has reacted to not necessarily being Rangers’ main man as they prepare to face Kilmarnock on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Football.
On Morelos, Gerrard said: „He came on, he was hungry, he couldn’t wait to get on, and he’s come on and delivered.
„I think that’s the last three games now – (Kemar) Roofe’s obviously scored a fantastic goal, Jermain Defoe’s stepped up the plate and scored a fantastic goal, and then it was Alfredo’s turn.
„I think in previous seasons and at previous times we’ve probably overused Alfredo, because of our lack of options in the forward area.
„But now we’ve got competition for places, we’ve people ready to come in, people are hungry – there are probably a few in there that want to play more, so we’re in a good place in that area.“
Rangers, unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions so far this season, can go nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership with a win over Killie – albeit the Hoops will have two games in hand.
Defoe: My top five goals and why
By Dharmesh Sheth, Sky Sports News reporter
Jermain Defoe has made a living of being in the right place at the right time…
This was never more apparent than on Sunday when he spun in behind Livingston defender Jon Guthrie to steer James Tavernier’s inch-perfect cross into the corner of the net.
It was the 300th club goal of an illustrious career that has seen him become one of the most revered strikers of his generation.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Defoe delves into the archives and reveals the top five goals of his career…
Walker’s Scottish Premiership predictions: Rangers vs Kilmarnock
I was at Rugby Park last weekend to see Kilmarnock lose narrowly to Hibs and the good news is defender Clevid Dikamona was not as seriously injured as first thought. The former Hearts defender required lengthy treatment before being carried off on a stretcher and although Alex Dyer will be without him for this game against the league leaders, thankfully it’s not a long-term injury.
In an attacking sense, I’ve been so impressed with Chris Burke over the last 12 months or so for Kilmarnock, his attitude and desire to contribute at 36 is as strong as it ever was. He will want to trouble Steven Gerrard’s men, who are consistently giving nothing away defensively. The goal from Alfredo Morelos on Thursday night in the Europa League should see him get another start on Sunday. In this extraordinary season where every league game is so important, it’s a chance for Rangers to go nine points clear of Celtic with a win, albeit having played two more games.
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