Morelos is looking to join Euro elite

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says Alfredo Morelos is gunning for the Champions League after the record-breaking striker rediscovered his hunger for goals.

The Colombian has had a lean start to the campaign but moved past Ibrox great Ally McCoist to become the club’s all-time top scorer in continental competition after netting his 22 nd strike in Thursday’s 3- 3 draw with Benfica.

All those goals have come in the Europa League but Gerrard knows the 24-yearold has ambitions to go even higher.

It remains to be seen whether the former HJK Helsinki hitman will fulfil that ambition with Gerrard’s team after Gers sporting director Ross Wilson confessed last week the club have an agreement in place that he can move on if a suitable bid is received.

But for now Gerrard is delighted to see the striker back focused and scoring after a summer of speculation over a possible move away from Glasgow.

“He was very happy after the game about his recordbreaking,” said the Light Blues boss.

“I think he’s got his hunger back and you can see it in his eyes that he wants to go and score more goals in the competition.

“I know he’s got dreams and aspirations of playing in the Champions League one day, which is good for him.

“In terms of where he’s at, the goals are back, the hunger is back, the sharpness is back.

“I d o n’ t really comparing him to like ( the

Alfredo) of old because it’s about the now and what he is offering moving forward.

“But he’s definitely in a better place in terms of his form and how he looks. He’s smiling and seems happy, which is fantastic for everyone connected with Rangers.”

Gerrard reckoned his team produced one of their best displays under his charge at Benfica’s famous Stadium of Light as they left the hosts in the shade for much of the match.

Two late lapses in Lisbon, however, cost them victory and while Gerrard was frustrated to see a two-goal lead thrown away, and the chance to make it three wins out of three in Group D, he was delighted with the display of Steven Davis.

The 3 5 - y e a r - o l d ’s contract expires next summer and while there is no rush to discuss new terms, the Ibrox manager was quick to heap praise after another midfield masterclass from the Northern Ireland skipper.

He said: “Davo’s being really, really consistent at the moment and arguably in the best form since we’ve been working together.”

“Yo u a l w ay s w o n d e r when players are at that age what are they going to be like when they return.”

Rangers are nine points clear at the top of the Premiership and tomorrow they host Hamilton Accies.

Gerrard also reckons his team are well placed to extend their European campaign beyond Christmas.

“I’d have certainly taken seven points from nine before a ball was kicked,” said the Liverpool great. “We’ve started ever so well.”