HOT BLONDE ALFIE READY FOR BIG DATE
Morelos marks return with Gers’ winner
He may have returned with a new- look bleached barnet but it was the same old Alfredo Morelos back in business for Rangers.
Blondes have more fun? Who knows?
But it will certainly be more enjoyable for Gers fans now their bombshell is up and running again after five months out.
Morelos came off the bench to clinch the points against Kilmarnock and his late goal was just what the punters needed with their Champions League hopes hanging by a threat.
Antonio Colak grabbed the opener with his first competitive strike for Gers – but no one can deny the main man has been some miss for the club.
There was a gaping hole in the side in the league run-in and Europa League Final as it’s never quite the same without the frontman rampaging up top.
Sure, there was a bit of rust yesterday when he appeared for the final half-hour. But the same old killer instincts remain – and he could provide the cutting edge Rangers crave.
There was a lack of it for spells yesterday. Boss Gio van Bronckhorst’s men had 14 shots at goal in the first half against Killie but few of them actually caused the visitors to sweat.
There was some neat play and plenty of ball hogging.
But sometimes they were crying out for El Bufalo to do what he does best.
With Ryan Kent hoping to be back in the next few days, it will be all hands on deck for the Union Saint- Gillloise return in Glasgow on Tuesday as Gers bid to overturn a two-goal deficit.
They must be ruthless – and that’s where Morelos comes in.
His poacher’s finish put the cap on a chiselled- out win against a side who were solid.
Colak’s cool strike after the break was absolutely vital though as things might have got tense as the clock ticked on.
As it was, it was job done and now on to Europe.
Van Bronckhorst isn’t the kind of guy to take a f lamethrower to his players but the Dutchman certainly scolded his side after the Union sag.
The bitter disappointment was also reflected in his line-up yesterday – with four changes.
Jon McLaughlin kept the gloves and Ridvan Yilmaz looked the part for an hour or so on his full debut.
The sight of Morelos alongside them was a major boost though after f ive months when the
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Colombian’s absence certainly made the Light Blues hearts grow fonder.
But the hitman had to bide his time while Gers looked a team in a hurry to shake off the stink from midweek.
The first half didn’t quite go to plan though. Rangers hogged the ball completely but couldn’t quite find the final touch.
Tom Lawrence was the main man all afternoon and he came closest, taking a pop with a sweet half-volley from 25 yards that looped off the bar.
Malik Tillman nearly got Gers off to a flier in the opening few minutes when he slipped past Sam Walker – but Ash Taylor made a last-gasp block.
Those chances aside there were occasional pops from Scott Wright that didn’t trouble the keeper much, a Connor Goldson lash in to the side-netting and a lot of Kilmarnock running around putting out fires.
Taylor nodding a header over the bar from a Fraser Murray set piece was the only trip up the other end for Killie in a frustrating opening period.
It could have been awkward after the break too. Murray cut back for Rory McKenzie but the attacker flicked over.
Rangers made Killie pay in 51 minutes. Lawrence was key, driving forward and linking with Colak to allow the striker to steer low into a corner.
And there was a shout for a penalty moments later when the ball came off Alan Power’s arm. It would have been harsh – but no less harsh than the one given against Gers in Belgium.
The arrival of Morelos lifted the noise levels another notch and the hitman was quickly on the case, dragging one wide within minutes of coming on.
Killie had a go as time wore on. Murray’s deliveries were a danger and a couple of corner-kicks were a concern.
As was an eye-watering lunge f rom Innes Cameron on Goldson that could have been worse than a yellow card.
The inevitable Morelos goal arrived at the end after Rabbi Matondo’s burst of pace and cross found the star man pouncing at the back post.
Now Rangers hope with Blondie back they can overturn USG one way or another.