Change of mood for Alfie
Mark Hateley hopes a debut double under Gio van Bronckhorst will revitalise moody Alfredo Morelos.
The Ibrox icon admits it’s a guessing game after this season’s dip in form.
Morelos bagged his eighth and ninth goals of the campaign as Gers qualified from their Europa League group with victory over Sparta Prague.
Now Hateley hopes van Bronckhorst and new striker coach Roy Makaay can find the key to more consistency for Morelos.
He said : “Where is Alfredo in his Rangers career? You had better ask him that but he took his chances against Sparta Prague. The first goal was very good and that set him up for his performance.
“To get one inside 15 minutes is perfect for any striker and that’s how it worked out for Alfredo. His start to the game allowed him to build.
“He did the right things, got his goals and the advice I would give to him is keep focusing on that.
“One of Giovanni ’ s biggest tasks is to get Alfredo back to his best. He will be looking to get all the Rangers players hitting the standards of last season.
“He’s one of those players who has to be kept under a tight rein but it’s up to the Rangers staff to do that . Can Roy Makaay do it? Good luck to Roy!”
Hateley, speaking to promote his book ‘ Hitting The Mark’, says Morelos has left himself open to criticism.
He said: “He’s raised the bar so high everyone expects him to follow that.
“You’re expected to hit that bar again and go over.
“The fans have seen how good he can be and they expect Alfredo to go again.”
Hitting The Mark by Mark Hateley with Alistair Aird. Published by Reach Sport at £18.99.