No assurances for Alf after Colombia snub
Colombia manager Reinaldo Rueda has refused to offer any assurances to snubbed Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos despite his side now going six World Cup games without a goal.
The Ibrox star – who will miss the Old Firm game because of his international call- up – was one of only four players who were not even stripped and had to remain in the stand as Colombia crashed to Peru in the qualifiers, along with Diego Valoyes, Oscar Murillo and Andres Mosquera Marmolejo.
Colombia are now in serious danger of not reaching the Qatar tournament after dropping to sixth place with just four automatic spots up for grabs with only three games left.
They have now failed to score against Peru, Paraguay, Brazil ( twice), Ecuador and Uruguay and their next game is away to Argentina on Tuesday.
Bu t ma n a g e r Ru e d a has insisted he will keep faith with his misfiring strikers and has no intention of making wholesale changes for their trip to the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.
He said: “I completely understand the fans’ frustrations – I am incredibly frustrated myself.
“But the important thing is not to panic. We were very unlucky and these players don’t become bad ones overnight. I retainr my faith in the strikers annd the whole team.
“There are nine points leeft and we have to do everything too get them.
“We came up against a very good Peru keeper andd I wouldn’t have changed anything. That’s football sometimes.”
Meanwhile, Morelos’ Old Firm rival Tom Rogic insists he’s in the form of his life at the moment because he is happy att Celtic.
The Hoops midfielder wwas named as Man of the Maatch after a helping Australia to a 4-0World Cup win over Vietnam in Melbourne. And he’s convinced he’s playing so well at the moment because he h is enjoying life at Celticc under countryman m anager Ange Pos stecoglou.
He said: “Personally, I’m in a good moment, I’m enjoying things and I’m enjoying my life on and off the field.
“We knew the significance of the game, in terms of the qualification. I think it was a good performance from the team in general.
“We got a little bit sloppy in the second half, but overall I think it’s a good day’s work and I was just happy to be back playing in Australia.
“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen family and friends and there was a few in the crowd so I was happy to be back and enjoyed the game.
“It was an enjoyable night, to be back playing in Australia with family friends around in a beautiful stadium and a beautiful pitch. We felt the crowd behind us.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do in terms of qualification but we’re on the right track now. I’m just enjoying the moment and looking forward to it.”