Absent star has work to do to return but sought-after Kent keeps eye on the ball

AFTER a draw that felt like a defeat against Livingston, this 2-0 victory at home to Kilmarnock was just the response Rangers needed.

Steven Gerrard and his players had come in for some unfriendly fire from their supporters in the aftermath of the goalless draw at the Tony Macaroni Arena but the mood should be lifted this morning.

Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent got the goals that earned the points and Rangers remain unbeaten in the Premiership. This was much more like it at Ibrox.

Even when he is not in the team, or in the squad for that matter, Rangers’ most highprofile player continues to grab the headlines and spark the talking points.

When Gerrard addressed the media on Friday afternoon, he admitted that Morelos “didn’t look himself” amid continued debate and doubt about his future at Rangers. He gave no hints, though, that the Colombian would be nowhere to be seen on Saturday.

Having turned down a

£16 million approach from Lille this month, Rangers now find themselves in an unenviable and difficult position. Morelos clearly wants to leave, but no other suitor has stepped up and put their money on the table.

The striker would certainly be a loss to Gerrard’s side but he is no use on the bench or in the stands and if his attitude is not right during the week then he certainly does not deserve to play. Given what is at stake, Gerrard can’t take the chance Morelos starts to fancy it when the whistle blows.

Roofe marked his first start for Rangers with a goal on Saturday and deserves to keep his place against Hamilton this weekend. Morelos has a lot of convincing to do to show he wants to pull on the shirt again.

The situation with Morelos is clearly an issue for Gerrard but he need not, as it stands at least, have any concerns over the status of his other indemand star man.

Leeds United had a £10m bid for Kent turned down last week and Gerrard has stressed how important the winger is to his side and how desperately he wants to keep him at Ibrox.

That, of course, could be easier said than done and there will be a number that will tempt the board into doing business. For the sake of Rangers’ title aspirations, Gerrard must hope Leeds, or anyone else, don’t hit that particular mark.

Kent’s strike here, a wellplaced effort into the corner of the net, was his third goal in five Premiership games and he showed no signs that talk over his future will impact on his performances. That will encourage Gerrard and it needs to remain the case.

Three games, three clean sheets and eight goals is as close to a dream start as Steven Gerrard could have hoped for at Ibrox. If Rangers are to challenge for the title, that run must continue.

Everyone at Ibrox is desperate for supporters to return to the stadium as soon as possible and fans could be allowed in next month providing strict distancing and capacity regulations are adhered to.

Gerrard has so often spoken about the crowd being a driving force for Rangers but in all three games it can be argued it has been an advantage to be playing in front of empty stands.

There are no moans and groans when passes are misplaced or chances missed and there is no weight of expectation to weigh heavily on Gerrard’s players.

The 12th man will soon return but it must not become a hindrance rather than a help as Rangers look to keep up their momentum at the top of the table.