I’LL TRY TO STOP ALF THEN VOTE HIM TOP PLAYER
EASTER ROAD, TONIGHT, 7.45, BT SPORT
LEWIS STEVENSON will attempt to put the shackles on Alfredo Morelos tonight before jotting down his name as Player of the Year.
Hibs have yet to lose to Rangers in two games this season and that’s a stat the full-back is determined to maintain at Easter Road.
The Colombian striker netted at Ibrox in December, only for former Light Blues defender Darren McGregor to nod an equaliser near the end.
Morelos has 28 goals this season and as it approaches its business end Stevenson has been impressed.
He said: “Morelos is always a handful, works hard for his team and has scored some really good goals.
“Some people maybe touch on the chances he misses but he’s always there and speaking to central defenders they don’t enjoy playing against him as he’s got a bit of everything.
“I shouldn’t be saying that so close to the Rangers game – I don’t want to give anyone too much praise in case it gives them confidence when they play us!
“There are players all around the league who have caught my eye this season, including Ryan Jack and at Kilmarnock I’ve enjoyed watching Greg Taylor from a defensive point of view and also Alan Power.
“Rangers put on one of the best performances we’ve seen from an away side at Easter Road this season so it’s going to be tough this time round.
“A goalless draw flattered us because they were the better team but we deserved our point at Ibrox.
“We’ve done a bit of video analysis on them and the manager has also spoken about their attacking strength down the right.
“I’ve had a few battles with James Tavernier and Daniel Candeias in the past and they are top-quality players who can hurt you. Their delivery from the right is very good so we’ll have to try to nullify it.
“Our priority right now is to get into the top six. A few weeks ago that looked unlikely but with three wins in a row in the league we’ve given ourselves a good chance.
“There are plenty of points to play for to finish in the top half. Five wins would be great, four may be enough. It would be nice to go on a run.”
Hibs lost their first match under Paul Heckingbottom when they were downed by Celtic 2-0 in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup.
The match was marred by a bottle-throwing incident as Hoops winger Scott Sinclair prepared to take a corner.
And Stevenson hopes tonight’s game is spoken about for all the right reasons.
He added: “Games between Hibs and Rangers have tended to be exciting matches over the years. There’s also a decent rivalry between the fans.
“It would be good if everyone is talking about the football once more rather than anything else.
“It’s been happening too often this season with objects thrown on to the pitch.
“There’s a spotlight on it now and there will be a big focus on it behind the scenes with the security people. I’m sure it won’t happen this time.
“If we’re to defeat Rangers we know our decision-making in the final third needs to improve.
“We defended well in spells with the ball against Celtic but there are often long periods in matches when you are in possession and become excited, feeling you need to create chances straight away.
“Our best spells in the cup tie came when we made four or five passes and the game opened up from there.
“We must focus on our ball retention and decisionmaking against Rangers. We can’t be as rushed in possession again.”