Gerrard hopeful Morelos goal sparks run of form

Steven Gerrad was impressed with Alfredo Morelos as the striker helped sink Hamilton Accies and hopes his goal is the start of a hot streak.

Morelos was on target as Rangers reached the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 4-1 win in Lanarkshire, with Scott Arfield scoring a double and Joe Aribo also hitting the net.

Rangers’ top scorer had been without a goal in five games and had opportunities before netting at New Douglas Park. Gerrard said the Colombian’s all-round play had been impressive and the goal could mark a return to top form.

“I think he looked sharp today,” the Rangers boss said. “He will be disappointed that he never scored in the first half, I thought that was a real good chance for someone like Alfredo.

“He is probably slightly disappointed that he hasn’t scored a double today but there was still part of his play which was typical Alfredo, where he was undefendable.

“He was strong, powerful and he ran through the defender for the penalty, which was obviously the breakthrough we were looking for, and again he was in the right place at the right time and he still had to do a little bit with the header.

“Hopefully that goal will spring him on to more now because we need him firing as quick as possible. All forwards, especially number nines, thrive on goals and get confidence and belief from goals.”

Though Rangers reached the next round with relative comfort, it wasn’t all plasant viewing for Gerrard. Borna Barisic had to be replaced after suffering a hip injury that could rule him out of the match against Kilmarnock on Wednesday, while Arfield’s missed penalty gave the manager more food for thought.

He said: “We are still searching for this person to come forward and become our penalty taker, but on the evidence so far I might have to go back to James (Tavernier).

“I will make that decision in due course.”