GERS GAFFER: ALFIE BATTLE ‘BOX OFFICE’

Aberdeen Rangers Tomorrow, 1.30pm

v THE DUEL between Alfredo Morelos and Scott Mckenna at Pittodrie last month will never trouble the Oscars for best screenplay.

But it still gripped Steven Gerrard to such an extent he couldn’t keep his eyes off it.

The 4-2 victory, with Morelos (above) grabbing a double, handed Rangers their first win over the Dons this season after Derek Mcinnes’ squad had dished out defeats in the league and Betfred Cup.

The silverware chances of both clubs, and the opportunity to label their respective seasons a success, will go on the line in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Gerrard will warn his players to stay on the right side of competitive but is looking forward to his Colombian striker going hammer and tongs again with the Scotland stopper.

He said: “The battle between Alfredo and Scott (inset) was box office.

“It was an absolute spectacle to see from the sidelines and it was a shame both players couldn’t see the game out.

“That is the reason we all love football – individual battles and team rivalries.

“I hope it is no different on Sunday. I hope Alfredo and Scott go toe-to-toe again and it’s another great spectacle.

“I just hope they both see the 90 minutes out because I don’t like seeing players from either team being sent off.

“There is a lot at stake, it’s a big rivalry. Both sets of players will be desperate for a result.

“Every game we’ve played against Aberdeen this season has been a physical encounter. I don’t think that will change.

“We hope we get officials who understand that. We want to focus on 90 minutes of football with all 22 players on the pitch.

“That’s when you get a good spectacle, a box-office encounter.

“I’ll never be someone who takes an edge away from a player because you take away a big chunk of his abilities.

“You trust them to be physical and aggressive but to channel it in the right direction.

“I don’t want to see any of my players getting stupid yellow cards or leaving the pitch because the job then becomes much more difficult.”