Morelos is key player for Gerrard

MARK WILSON

STEVEN GERRARD believes Alfredo Morelos can play an important part in his Rangers revolution — as he sets his sights on adding another striker. Clubs from Turkey, France and China have been tracking Morelos this summer, four months after Rangers rebuffed bids from Beijing Renhe. Gerrard, though, has praised the qualities the 21-year-old Colombian can bring as his squad continues their pre-season training camp in Spain. ‘We love the player — and so do the fans,’ said Gerrard. ‘He’s a goalscorer. We know what he can add to this team and squad. If you’re

asking me if his head has been turned, then that’s a question you would have to ask the player himself. ‘But where we stand right now is that he’s a Rangers player and I’m delighted to have him.’ Asked if he felt Morelos could have a key role if he stayed at Ibrox for the new season, the 38-year-old rookie manager added: ‘I do, yes’. Gerrard is unperturbed about the persistent speculation surrounding the former HJK Helsinki player, saying: ‘I take it as a positive, in terms of the interest that is coming his way. ‘It shows we have a good player here. A player capable of scoring heavy numbers, which is what we need. ‘In terms of interest and bids, we will deal with that situation if and when it happens. But, at the moment, there has been nothing.’ Gerrard has made six summer signings so far, but admits he will look to provide more competition for Morelos (right) up front following the departure of Kenny Miller. The veteran forward exited in acrimonious circumstances after being suspended and fined for his part in an alleged bust-up with former manager Graeme Murty. But Gerrard hailed the contribution Miller made over three spells at Ibrox. ‘That is an area we are looking at,’ said Gerrard of his striker options. ‘When a legend goes out the door, and someone as good as Kenny Miller, who has been a goalscorer all throughout his career, it’s a very difficult void to fill. They are big shoes to fill. So it’s very important that we try to get that one right.’ Rangers have spent a combined £5million to strengthen central defence with the additions of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic. ‘There is no certain plan in terms of defence, then midfield, then attack,’ added Gerrard. ‘We have players we have identified who we would like to bring in. In what order that happens, or who we strike for at whatever time, we will have to wait and see. ‘We conceded too many goals last year and lost too many stupid points. Defence is a very important part of the team and it’s important to get it right.’ Meanwhile, Jason Holt has completed a season-long loan move to join Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town. Barton was delighted to clinch the capture of his former team-mate, saying: ‘I saw his qualities on a daily basis and, as soon as I found out he was available, we tried everything to make sure we got him here.’