Gerrard talks of player safety after Porto match

Steven Gerrard has called for Uefa to look into claims that Connor Goldson was struck by missiles during Rangers’ 1-1 Europa League draw with Porto on Thursday night.

The Light Blues defender insisted he had been hit with a variety of objects at the Estadio do Dragao and also thought striker Alfredo Morelos was struck as he celebrated his equaliser.

Ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership meeting with Motherwell at Ibrox tomorrow, Gerrard said: “We’ve got to think about the safety of the players, we’ve seen that on numerous occasions, that must stop.

“So I think Uefa need to look into that and try to deal with that.”

Rangers are on a high following their impressive performance in Portugal.

However, Gerrard recalls his side lost their place at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership last week with a 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle and wants his side to make a brighter start against the Steelmen.

The former Liverpool and England captain said: “I think if you go into the game, certainly at Tynecastle against Hearts, and think you can just casually stroll into a match and you’re not at your top level, you can be found out.

“We certainly were in the opening 10 minutes. I think after the opening 10 minutes, we were fine. We didn’t create enough in the game but we certainly showed the right mentality and attitude but it took us 10 minutes to get going. We can’t afford that.”

Meanwhile, one of the stars of Rangers’ performance in Portugal, Borna Barisic, insists he is playing the best football of his career after getting up to speed at the club. The Croatia international was subject to criticism from some Light Blues fans last season following his move on a four-year deal from Osijek for a reported £2.2 million.

However, Barisic has been a different prospect this season and amid another assured display against Porto he set up the equaliser for Morelos with a terrific cross from the left flank.

Barisic said: “I’m sure that this is the best football that I have played.

“Last year it was up and down, up and down, but a lot of time it was because of injury. And now when I have had a pre-season, everything’s fine. I feel very good and sharp.”

Glen Kamara was sent home from training with an illness yesterday but Gerrard is hoping he will be fit for the visit of Motherwell on Sunday.

Motherwell will check on Peter Hartley, Allan Campbell, Mark O’Hara and Jake Carroll before their trip but Liam Donnelly will return from suspension.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.