Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LADBROKES PREM HIBS OUR ONLY CONCERN
Gerrard puts Old Firm to back of his mind
STEVEN GERRARD last night warned Rangers not to wreck their title bid by looking ahead to Saturday’s derby.
The Ibrox boss has told his players to remain completely focused for today’s clash against Hibs or risk damaging their championship challenge deeply by dropping precious home points.
Gerrard is fully aware that fans are looking towards the Old Firm clash. But he sees clear and present danger in the shape of Neil Lennon’s men and is adamant Gers can’t get ahead of themselves and start thinking about Celtic.
He said: “It would be very naive of us to think about the Old Firm right now. We need to keep focused on Hibs 100 per cent.
“We know Neil will be desperate to come here with his team and get a result. Hibs are a good team and I believe they are in a false position in the league.
“They have wonderful technicians within the group who can hurt you and they have mobility up front, so we know they carry a threat.
“Our respect for Hibs is clear and our players can’t be naive and think about the Old Firm or we won’t get out of it what we need.”
Victory over Hibs would give Rangers a chance to go top of the table at the mid-winter break by beating Celtic.
Gerrard understands the rewards on offer in the next four days and said: “It is a lovely thought but there is a lot of hard work and big individual and collective performances needed to achieve it.
“We need to do everything we can to get three points and that will set us up for a wonderful game to finish the first half of the season off. It is a two tough games, six big points available and we need to give everything.”
Gerrard, meanwhile, is adamant Alfredo Morelos will not have his “head turned” again in January by big-money bids.
The Rangers striker is hot property having hit 19 goals this term.
Gerrard anticipates offers for Morelos during the transfer window but says they won’t have a detrimental effect on the Colombian.
The 22-year-old was unsettled 12 months ago as suitors came calling but his manager has made it crystal clear to the hitman and interested parties this time around that’s he’s going nowhere.
He said: “I’m not resistant to bids. But I will not have his head turned in January, that’s simple. He won’t be going anywhere. “I understand and respect that there will be bids. There will be bids for all top players around the world. There’s nothing you can do as a manager.
“But what I don’t want is for someone to turn his head and rock the boat because he’s in great form.
“He has fired his team into a good position and it’s important he tries to have a consistent season from start to finish and rack up more goals.
“That’s what’s important for him and his career right now. We’re doing everything we can to keep developing and improving him, not just the player but the person as well.
“He’s working really hard at that and (as a finisher) he’s up there. And I think he can still get better.”