Gerrard hails Alfredo for keeping his cool... and unleashing fury on defences instead

STEVEN GERRARD last night hailed Alfredo Morelos for cooling his temper while continuing to sear through opposition defences. The Colombian took his goals tally for the season to 12 with the crucial second-half opener in a 4-0 success over St Johnstone that kept Rangers within three points of Premiership leaders Celtic. While his scoring figures soar, Gerrard is equally pleased with how Morelos’ disciplinary numbers have dropped. Last term, the 23-year-old incurred five red cards — one rescinded — and 18 bookings to place a serious question mark against his temperament. After being left in no doubt about the need for change by Gerrard, who has introduced a new code of conduct, Morelos has incurred only three yellow cards in his 15 appearances this season despite maintaining a physical approach. He was substituted to applause after 79 minutes in Perth, with replacement Jermain Defoe adding two late goals against a suffering Saints defence. ‘Alfredo deserved that goal for his endeavour and desire,’ said Gerrard. ‘Against a different type of opposition last Thursday (in the Europa League win over Feyenoord) he was unplayable. ‘He’s in a good place, he’s enjoying his football and he’s behaving himself. He was even shaking the referee’s hand on the way off, so he’s definitely trying! ‘He’s a match-winner and I’m really pleased with him. I want my subs to contribute and Jermain will be thinking about almost getting a hat-trick.’ Morelos could well be rewarded with a recall to the Colombia squad after turning over a new leaf. He has been placed on a provisional list by Carlos Queiroz for planned friendly matches next month, with the opposition yet to be confirmed. ‘Alfredo can come short and run in behind,’ added Gerrard. ‘When he sticks, it helps the team so much. We can get runners in from the wide areas. ‘His overall game was top drawer and it’s why he’s been called into the Colombian squad. I hope he gets selected.’ Gerrard was thrilled to see his midfield step up after a goalless first half, reserving special praise for Steven Davis and Joe Aribo. The Northern Irishman made a pair of brilliant blocks in front of his own goal — with Saints claiming the second effort had crossed the line — before Rangers broke forward for Defoe’s first goal. ‘First half we did okay and got into some really good areas,’ said Gerrard, whose side’s other goal came from Connor Goldson. ‘But we didn’t have much quality and it wasn’t connecting in the final third. That was why we didn’t create. ‘After the break we found our level of performance. We were outstanding in the second half. ‘People will talk about the goalline clearance but, from the angles I’ve seen, it’s not a goal. ‘Davis has twice done well and it epitomised his performance. He was man of the match by some distance. He was outstanding. ‘Aribo was also outstanding, he’s different, his running ability, his skill, he’s a threat in the final third and we’re delighted to have him.’ The result made it five wins from six for Rangers in the Premiership this season and ensured there was no hangover after an emotional win against Feyenoord. ‘A lot is made of Thursday-Sunday and we did put a lot in on Thursday,’ said Gerrard. ‘But we say to the players it’s mental. You look at our energy and running in the second half and it proves it’s not down to fitness. ‘We finished stronger than we started so it’s all in the mind. We need to start these games better. ‘But I’ve always got belief we will create and score. Alfredo got the breakthrough, then it’s always tempting to get Jermain on because you know he can get goals.’ Gerrard explained why there was no place in the squad for Niko Katic, whose place on the bench against Feyenoord was taken by George Edmundson. ‘He’s got to keep going,’ said the Ibrox boss. ‘When you’re at a club like Rangers it shows negatively putting four centre-backs in an 18 (squad). ‘Three works but they’re all in good form, they’re training hard and I’ve got to make that decision. ‘It’s tactical and horses for courses. Livingston (Betfred Cup quarter final on Wednesday night) will be a different challenge and he might come in. I have to make tough decisions but that’s what I get paid to do.’