A CROSS BETWEEN COSTA & LENNY
McCann hails Alf’s battling style and burning passion
He can look angry when scoring but he’s the best striker in Scotland NEIL McCANN ON GERS’ RUGGED GOAL MACHINE
NEIL McCANN reckons Alfredo Morelos is a heavyweight in the mould of South American scrapper Diego Costa.
Whisper it, the former Rangers favourite even reckons there’s a touch of Neil Lennon about the Ibrox frontman. The Colombian they cannot tame heads to Pittodrie on Sunday for the third time this season, aiming to show the good side of his game rather than the ugly. Morelos has been sent off twice at Aberdeen already, although his first red was rescinded, and scored two goals of stunning quality in his side’s recent 4-2 win there in the league. McCann said: “Costa was a battering ram, wasn’t he? “He was like a boxer and the same feelings defenders had with him they get with Morelos because they know they have to deal with the physicality. “It’s not just about getting across his shoulder or trying to find a yard against him in the box, there’s a physicality to deal with as well. “His two goals at Pittodrie recently were classic examples of that – his second finish was unbelievable. “I know Morelos has had loads of issues with red and yellow cards. I see him getting involved in some games and I don’t understand why. There is something in there that stokes the furnace and gets him firing. “Sometimes he looks angry when scoring, rather than happy, but without a doubt he’s the best striker in the country.
“He offers everything. I’d love someone like that in my team and not just for the goals, even though 28 is an incredible return given he’s missed a number of games. “It is his all-round play. He is a proper No.9 who can hold it up, run the channels. He is very good in the air despite not being so tall – and he loves a fight. Defenders can get caught up with Morelos’ power, so they think about the fight first.
“All of a sudden he is off down the side of them or dipping off – and bang. That’s the most dangerous striker as they have different attributes.
“I like him but can he quell that fire inside him? I don’t know. There are a few of us who have that edge.
“I heard Neil Lennon being asked the other day if he had calmed or mellowed but I watched him at Tynecastle and it’s still burning.
“Some people are just built like that. I’d be a hypocrite to say too much because I am a wee bit fiery as well. “If Morelos is to go to the very top he has to channel it better.” The indiscipline of Morelos, which led to his ban for the Betfred Cup semi against Dons, cost Rangers dear when they lost 1-0 at Hampden. However, McCann insists he will be motivated to reward Steven Gerrard for the faith he has shown in him throughout the campaign. He added: “His responsibility now is to control himself better but still be the same goal threat. I used to think Rangers v Aberdeen was a manufactured derby but it lives up to the term as it is so fierce and the fans genuinely dislike each other. “The Scottish Cup is a real chance for a trophy and Aberdeen will believe they can win it.”
McCann was speaking at a William Hill media conference. William Hill is the proud Scottish Cup sponsor.