Sunday Mail (UK)

Alf will send Ibrox rocking

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out with a thigh tear. Antonio Colak nabbed his first competitiv­e strike in the win and the manager has a decision to make for Tuesday’s Euro clash with the Belgians.

Rangers should also have Ryan Kent back after a week’s absence.

But van Bronckhors­t knows Morelos will be a goal threat even if he’s not fully match fit – and can lift the entire stadium with his presence.

The Light Blues gaffer said: “It is his first minutes for Rangers in five months. If you think about that, it is a really long time – almost half a year.

“It was good to have him back. You can see what he brings, not only to the squad but also the way the fans treated him when he came on.

“That is what you have when he plays and Morelos is always capable of scoring goals.

“For him, I think these first minutes of the season, after five months out, were very important.

“I am sure he will only get stronger with each game that he is going to be involved in.”

Van Bronckhors­t revealed he should have Kent on board for the salvage mission as they trail the Belgians 2-0 from the first leg.

He said: “It was too early today for Ryan but we are pushing hard to have him ready for Union.”

Rangers couldn’t find a cutting edge at times against Killie but found a way through eventually.

Van Bronckhors­t said: “We had some players who played really well and gave the team what was needed.

“It was Steven Davis’ first start this season but you see the ability and quality that he has.

“I’m pleased with his performanc­e.

“Tom Lawrence played really well in the pockets and gave us the threat we needed up front together with Malik Tillman.

“You need those players in the team to create if you’re playing against a deep block.

“And I’m happy for my strikers – Antonio’s first goal and Morelos as well. It’s good to have them on the scoresheet.”

Van Bronckhors­t admitted his side needed to be sharper in the final third but is convinced that will come.

He said: “We will improve in those areas, for sure. We have many new players adjusting to a new system for them and different team-mates.

“We had two clear chances maybe with the goals we scored but, in the first five minutes, we came through their defence a lot and were unlucky not to score.

“As long as we keep working hard in training and keep trying to create as many chances as we can, we will improve with each game we play.”

Rangers had to be patient to crack Derek McInnes’ organised side but van Bronckhors­t was s delighted with his team’s perseveran­ce and is hoping for a more lethal display against USG.

He said: “I’m happy with th the three points. The way y that you get to the three points is different every week. In the first half we struggled to get some really good opportunit­ies. s.

“Kilmarnock were delaying the play and making it difficult for us to o create any chances.

“But we’ve played many ny games like this before. In the second half you hope e it will open up and you create more space and that’s what happened.

“We scored good goals s and got a clean sheet. Now we will be working hard for Tuesday.”

 ?? ?? Tillman impressed his manager
Tillman impressed his manager

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