Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
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Alf makes it smiles all round at Ibrox
ALFREDO MORELOS wrote a few fat zeros on to his transfer value as he scripted another record in his fairytale season.
The striker struck the sweetest second-half volley on a fraught night to put Rangers within touching distance of the Europa League last 32.
It was his 21st strike of the season as he became the first Light Blue since Nacho Novo 12 years ago to score in three consecutive Euro ties.
The little Colombian, in the form of his life, took his tally with Rangers in continental competition to 15 as he closes in on Ally Mccoist’s European record of 21.
On this evidence, he will not be around next season to add to it as his reputation grows by the week.
But you would bet on Morelos adding to his stunning stats by spring.
The 23-year-old also chipped in with a priceless assist for Steven Davis on a night in which Rangers failed to hit the heights of previous European experiences but still emerged with a crucial three points.
Davis said: “He has been outstanding for us all season and he has turned up again and got a very important goal for us to set us on our way.”
Now level on seven points with Group G leaders Young Boys, Steven Gerrard made it 15 games without defeat at home against continental opposition since taking over as boss 18 months ago. “It’s got to be right up there [as his best result as a manager],” said Gerrard (inset).
“To beat a side of Porto’s calibre and the quality of players that they’ve got - the boys deserve all the credit.
“The second half was fantastic.
“In the first half we showed Porto too much respect. “We never backed ourselves enough. I think their movement in the opening stages of the game sort of set us back a bit.
“We were a little bit frightened of it, but once we settled we finished the first half quite strong and in the second half we were a totally different team.”