‘ Morelos is his own man... not new McCoist’
Defoe plays down comparison to Super Ally as Euro
JERMAIN DEFOE knows from first- hand experience the pressure that can come when a striker is named in the same breath as a club legend.
He understands, then, why Steven Gerrard was keen to distance Alfredo Morelos and Ally McCoist in the aftermath of the win over Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday night.
The two goals that Morelos scored in Gibraltar leave him just one short of matching McCoist’s all- time European record for Rangers. That, as far as Gerrard is concerned, is where the talk should stop.
Defoe earned his own comparison towards one of his heroes – Ian Wright – during his early years at West Ham United. Morelos, of course, did not grow up idolising Super Ally but the Colombian’s knack of scoring goals has earned him his own place in the hearts of Rangers supporters.
“Everyone knows he has potential, I have said it many times since I have been here that he has impressed me,” Defoe said. “I have been around a lot of young forwards and Alfredo is somebody who wants to score goals.
“He gets into the right areas, is aggressive and he has that appetite and hunger. That is something I love seeing.
“He is always going to score goals but to get the record would be unbelievable. I can understand the manager not wanting to compare him to
Super Al – the legend. He has a long way to go, he is a young lad and I don’t think it is fair on him if you compare him to Ally McCoist.
“I remember when I was younger people used to compare me to Ian Wright. For me, it was so strange because I loved Wrighty as a kid and so when I was compared to him it was a bit mad.
“He is somebody I looked up to, they paved the way and I wanted to get to that sort of level. The future is bright for Alfredo and hopefully he can score a few goals here for us.”
When Gerrard was asked about Morelos moving to within one of McCoist’s record after the win in Gibraltar, he was quick to remind that his star man has yet to be part of a side that has won medals.
Morelos will have the chance to surpass McCoist when Rangers face Willem II in the third qualifying round for the Europa League next week.
But Defoe hopes his strike partner remains at Ibrox for much longer than that to aid the Govan side in their quest for title glory this term.
“I hope so,” he said when asked if this was the season when Morelos could win silverware with Rangers. “That is what we are all craving if I am being honest, that is why we play football. That is why you come to Rangers – to win.
“I have looked at it, Super Al, as a kid and all the other forwards that I used to love.
“I remember watching a lot of his goals as a kid and people talk about the Gazza’s and all these great legends who have played for this football club and one day when you have stopped playing then you would want your name up on the walls.
“But the most important thing is improving everyday, working hard for this football club and