Mols sees a perfect formula if duo keep on clicking

THE VETERAN and the relative rookie, the wise old greybeard and the impetuous kid. Not merely the standard pitch for about a thousand buddy movies currently being held on option by the big Hollywood studios — but also the potential winning formula for a Rangers strikeforce who already boast 20 goals between them this season. Former Ibrox frontman Michael Mols knows one of Steven Gerrard’s toughest jobs is going to be satisfying the playing needs of both Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe. If the Rangers boss gets the blend right, though, Mols sees huge benefits on the horizon, as old-timer Defoe is revitalised — and reformed work-inprogress Morelos learns to curb his alreadyfamous temper. ‘It’s difficult to keep them both happy,’ said the Dutchman, who will be back in Glasgow as Rangers and Liverpool Legends teams do battle in a charity match at Ibrox on October 12. ‘It’s to do with the opponents and the games you play. But, as a striker, you want to play every game. ‘If the manager manages it well and lets them know the reason behind it, you can cope with it and handle it better. ‘At top clubs like Rangers there is always top competition for every position. That’s why you play for Rangers. ‘If you’re not playing, you need to show the manager you’re better than the one who’s playing. Because of that, the standard will rise. ‘They’re both quality players, one is older and at the end of his career and the other is making his career. ‘But they both have had a great share in the goalscoring for Rangers. It’s always good to see an older one and a new one fighting for the same spot or place. It all benefits Rangers. ‘You’re never too old to learn and Morelos will learn from Defoe, who has proved himself in different leagues. ‘Last season he was still young, you could see that from his temper. But he’s learning more and more. The only thing he’s missing is experience. That will come with maturity.’ Five red cards last season were evidence of a pretty obvious problem for Morelos and, by extension, Gerrard. Mols (pictured), who was at Ibrox for the Europa League win over Feyenoord last week, sees clear evidence of change on the part of the 23-year-old Colombian. ‘He doesn’t need to lose his temper, just control it,’ he said. ‘Because his temper and desire is also his strength. He always wants to score, he’s always busy and he’s a handful for the defenders. ‘Defenders tried to provoke him or get him to retaliate, but that’s the experience factor. ‘He needs to calm down and control his temper — then you will see he won’t get any red cards any more.’ Mols said his own appetite was sharpened by being at the 1-0 win over Feyenoord — a game that surprised plenty of punters and pundits back home in Holland. ‘When you hear the atmosphere, well, I wanted to play again,’ he said. ‘Thank God I have the opportunity in October. ‘It was a really good result. Feyenoord were the better side in the beginning but Rangers changed it around. At the end, it was a little nerve-wracking but we got the result, so that’s a good start in the European campaign. ‘In Holland, they don’t rate the Scottish league as high as the (English) Premier League or the Spanish league — but Rangers showed them it’s never easy to win here.’ Next month’s clash of former greats, among them Richard Gough and Jamie Carragher, will give Rangers fans the chance to see something they’ve wanted for a long time — the sight of Gerrard playing on the Ibrox pitch. Former team-mate Jason McAteer, part of an established squad of ex-Anfield stars who make regular outings in this kind of fixture, testified: ‘He’s played in a couple of the games for us and, absolutely, he’s still got it. ‘Against AC Milan recently (legends match in March), he took the game by the scruff of the neck when we went from 2-0 up to 2-2. ‘Them scoring two goals, he grew and scored the winner. ‘When he gets out there on the pitch, he can win a game for you.’

TICKETS for the Legends game went on sale yesterday, priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concession and £5 for children. See the club website for more detail.