EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G WE WON’T BE DISTRACHTED

Gerrard: Opinion of an ex-celtic boss doesn’t interest me

RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard has told Gordon Strachan he’s got it all wrong about Alfredo Morelos.

Gerrard insists criticism of the Colombian and the rest of his squad by the former Celtic boss means nothing as his side prepare for their do-or-die clash with Rapid Vienna.

Up to 10,000 Rangers fans have travelled to Austria in a bid to see their side emerge with a win that will catapult them into the last 32 of the Europa League.

Strachan (inset) accused striker Morelos of being selfish and questioned his mental strength to perform for the Ibrox club after three red cards this season, one of them later rescinded, and 12 yellows.

Gerrard said: “I wasn’t aware of any comments that were made, but if that’s what was said I’ll have to disagree with the Alfredo one.

“He has scored 17 goals and his form is very good.

“It doesn’t irk me. If I had an opinion on Celtic when Gordon was manager then I don’t think he would have taken too much notice of it.

“Therefore, I don’t think I’m going to take too much notice of what an ex-celtic manager says about my team.”

Rangers will go into a game that could net them up to £2million missing key men in wide areas.

Daniel Candeias is suspended and Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent was left at home after he hobbled off injured in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Dundee, putting his place against Celtic later this month in jeopardy.

Gerrard said:

“Ryan will definitely be out for a couple of weeks.

He has a hamstring issue on the other leg which is a huge disappointment for us.

“Daniel’s suspension doesn’t help because it leaves us without a really good player.

“However, we’ll choose a team to get a result, leave everything out on the pitch and see where it takes us.”

Rangers and Rapid were told to stay off the grass at the Allianz Stadion yesterday, such is the state of the playing surface, as they were moved to a nearby grass park to fine tune preparations.

Gerrard said: “I don’t see the state of the pitch as being a big problem. We have to adapt, but it doesn’t change our focus.

“It was a sensible decision to ask both clubs to stay off it before the match because the pitch looks quite wet.

“It’s sensible to keep it in the best shape possible for both teams because it’s going to be a huge game.

“We’ll have to see how it plays. It’s the same for both teams. We don’t like to use excuses and we will focus on our gameplan and what we have to do to win the match.”