STEVIE G: ALF STAYING PUT
FROM BACK PAGE the season is already at 20 goals, has hinted he could be off when the transfer window opens.
But Ibrox boss Gerrard scoffed at that suggestion as he bids to keep his side on track for domestic and European success.
He said: “I’m not confident Alfredo will be here in January, I’m sure of it. I’m 100 per cent sure he is not going anywhere.
“That’s 20 goals and as far as I’m concerned and Alfredo’s concerned, we just need to work towards 21.
“I’m sure secretly he will have his own targets, all forwards do. He’s in great form, he’s smiling, he’s happy and he’s producing for his team.
“He’s contributing heavily and that’s the reason we are so happy to have him.
“It felt ever so different on the side today knowing you have a No.9 who is in terrific form and another No.9 behind you who is capable on this stage.
“We had great back-up and you can also see why we paid the money for Ryan Kent and were so desperate to get him in. He hasn’t played much over the past five months so he’ll get better and better.
“The midfield were outstanding, they controlled the whole game. Ryan Jack was like a man possessed again. Defensively we were solid, so I’m very happy with how all departments of the team worked.”
Gerrard is savouring his first Old Firm cup final and insists it is the reason he joined Rangers. Not since 2011 have the sides met in a domestic final, a League Cup the Light Blues won 2-1 after Nikica Jelavic’s extra-time winner.
Gerrard said: “As Rangers manager you are under constant pressure from game to game.
“I have to accept that and I’m aware of it – but it’s what I’m here for. I came here for challenges like today. I really enjoyed the challenge and I will look forward to the Final.
“But there will be plenty of time to talk about that.
“It shouldn’t be about me after a performance like that – it needs to be about the players.”
Rangers ended a sixmatch jinx at Hampden stretching back to their Scottish Cup Final defeat to Hibs in 2016 with a comprehensive win over a troubled Tynecastle club who sacked Craig Levein just three days earlier.
Gerrard added: “I don’t think anyone can say we don’t deserve to be in the Final. To be fair to Hearts they came and had a go.
“A lot has been happening at their club over the last few days and you obviously expect a bounce and maybe a positive reaction from that.
“The Hearts players gave their manager everything they’ve got but they came up against a team who were too good on the day. We were excellent and deserve to be where we are.
“There was a difference in terms of how we started the game and the intensity we played at – in and out of possession. It looked ever so different from two weeks ago at Tynecastle.
“That’s where we are at the moment with personnel – the players are doing everything they can, they’re maxing out.
“But at times they are going to need a little kick up the backside from myself just to remind them that at this club you can never get complacent because the challenges come thick and fast.”