Gerrard tips Morelos to hit red-hot form again
STEVEN GERRARD has backed Alfredo Morelos to hit top form again after scoring his first goal of an incidentpacked start to 2020. Police Scotland announced on Monday that a 12-yearold boy has been charged with aiming racist chants at the Colombian international during December’s Old Firm clash at Celtic Park. Morelos has also found himself the centre of attention amid claims his wife hired an investigator to fit a tracking device to his Lamborghini. He was then involved in the so-called ‘Translate-gate’ controversy, with Sky Sports having to apologise to Morelos, Rangers and Celtic for airing an interview with the forward that contained major errors in its on-screen subtitles. After missing the first three games of the year through suspension, Morelos failed to hit the net against Ross County, Aberdeen and Hibs. But he scored his 29th goal of the season against
Hamilton Accies in a 4-1 Scottish Cup victory last Saturday to help clinch a last-eight tie with Hearts at Tynecastle. Gerrard previously confirmed that he has held several heart-to-hearts with Morelos in the wake of his off-field dramas but, after watching him find the net again last weekend, he has backed the prolific 23-year-old frontman to recapture his very best form. ‘We always support all the players across the board,’ said the Ibrox boss. ‘Family is first for me always, so it’s not just with Alfredo. I’m there for all the players to talk to. My door is always open. ‘As a club, from top to bottom, we always try to look after all the players, whether they be in the first team or the academy. ‘Alfredo’s mindset looked alright at the weekend. He played his part in another win. I thought he looked like he was getting sharper in the Hibs game. ‘He finished that game really strong then took that form into the weekend and got his goal, which is always important for a striker. ‘You can’t underestimate the importance of a goal, especially if you’re a striker. To go three games without a goal could have had the reverse effect. ‘He was in the right place at the right time to score with the header and he also had another couple of opportunities. ‘So, hopefully, that will be the one that fires him to many more.’ Gerrard will welcome back midfielder Ryan Jack for tonight’s trip to Kilmarnock but left-back Borna Barisic is a doubt after picking up a thigh injury against Hamilton. ‘I think he’s got an outside chance,’ said Gerrard of the Croatian international defender. ‘He didn’t train today (Tuesday). We’re going to try to give it as long as we can. ‘He will probably have a late fitness test, so, at the moment, the best case scenario is that he’s 50-50.’ In the longer term, Rangers expect injured Swedish international centre-back Filip Helander to be back from his foot injury next month. But Jermain Defoe should be fit sooner after suffering a calf problem against Ross County last month. Gerrard said: ‘Filip is progressing well but it’s not an immediate return. I’m hoping he will be close towards the end of February or the beginning of March. ‘We won’t be able to determine that until he’s back outside kicking balls again. It’s been frustrating but he’s handled the situation ever so professionally. ‘Fil is very low maintenance, he’s a very humble guy and he accepted the injury pretty quickly. He knew it was a slow-burner and he knew he had to be in a boot for six weeks. But he’s continued to smile and go about his work. ‘We’ve certainly missed him as he gives us that balance on the left side of defence. When I have all four centre-backs available, we will certainly be stronger. ‘Jermain Defoe is doing well. He will be back quicker than Fil. He’s not too far away.’