Gerrard to make Morelos decision after dropping striker

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said that he’s seen a response from Alfredo Morelos after he was dropped last week – but he has still to make a decision on recalling the striker.

Morelos was left out of the matchday squad to play Kilmarnock last weekend after Gerrard accused him of “taking his eye off the ball” amidst speculation over a move to Lille.

The Colombian striker has faced fresh competition for a starting spot after the Ibrox club signed Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten, giving Gerrard a choice to make as he prepares his team to play Hamilton on Saturday.

“I’ll make a decision on whether Alfredo is involved tomorrow later today,” he said.

“We’ve still got a session to do then we’ll analyse and assess where Alfredo is at.

“What I will say is that we have definitely seen a difference in his application. He has refocused himself into training well and working hard this week.

“But that’s a decision I will wait until the end of today before deciding on whether he is included or not.”

Morelos’ goals in recent seasons had made him the undisputed first choice striker at the club but Gerrard said that his variety of options meant that he would choose on current form, not past success.

“As a manager you analyse your players on a daily basis and pick the ones you think are going to get you the right result,” he added.

“You don’t pick on name or reputation. You pick the players who are training hard, who are focused and who are listening, taking messages on board and going to give you the best chance for your team to get the right result.

“Last week we made a decision for the benefit of the team and the squad. Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe came in and I thought their application was really good, I was really happy with their performance considering it was their first starts. There was real positive signs with Kemar getting off the mark and Cedric’s work-rate.

“What I will say is we’re in much better shape from an attacking point of view in terms of options. We’re not heavily reliant on one person.

“I’m hoping to have Jermain Defoe ready after the international break too so I welcome those tough decisions.”