GERS TIE UP ALFIE ON DEAL TIL 2021

RANGERS were last night handed a massive boost ahead of the Old Firm derby as Alfredo Morelos signed a new contract.

The Colombian striker – joint top Premiership scorer – committed his future to the club for a further year as he penned a deal until 2021.

Morelos, 21, was the subject of big-money bids from China in

the January transfer window but Rangers stood firm and refused to part with their prized asset.

And Morelos insisted the love he has been shown by the Light Blues faithful made him extend his stay in Govan.

The hitman told Rangers TV: “I am very happy to have signed a new contract with Rangers.

“I know how important the club is in Scotland, how many titles that it has won and how much history it has. I am really happy here and I am working hard for the team.

“I love it when the fans show their support to me and sing to me.

“I’m really grateful for their support and want to repay them with performances on the pitch.”

Morelos, who joined on a three-year contract in the summer from HJK Helsinki, has been a revelation, banging in 17 goals.

Boss Graeme Murty insists he is a vital part of the club’s future as they continue their quest for a major trophy this season.

Murty said: “Alfredo is a very talented player and one we know we can work with to make even better.

“He has a massive opportunity at this club and we feel he can continue to improve and even realise his international ambitions here at Rangers and help the club challenge for silverware.”

Rangers could cut the gap at the top of the Premiership table to just three points with a win over Celtic at Ibrox tomorrow.

And Murty said: “Whether we chase them down or not won’t just be on this one game – it will be on the games after it.

“So we have to make sure what we do, from Sunday, is put ourselves in as good a position as possible to go and chase them down.

“I honestly don’t know if us winning would mean there is a title race but until it’s mathematically impossible we’re up there.”

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has said the pressure is all on the home side. Asked if he was surprised at that comment, Murty said: “Yeah, a little bit.

“But those guys are in front and we are always aware whenever we play at Ibrox there is pressure on us to perform.”

Selling for ‘X’ amount would have been a false economy if it weakened the group GRAEME MURTY