Rangers goal hero Alfredo Morelos earns Gerrard praise

Posted Friday, July 27, 2018 by PA

Steven Gerrard insists goal hero Alfredo Morelos should be proud of himself after the under-fire frontman fired Rangers to their first win on foreign soil in a decade.

The Colombian faced flak after missing a string of chances in the Ibrox side’s opening Europa League ties with Shkupi.

But he made amends in Croatia against Osijek as he nodded home a crucial away goal after 18 minutes to give the Light Blues a precious 1-0 win at the City Gardens Stadium and a major boost on their bid for the third round.

But his boss was more impressed by the 22-year-old’s graft up front as Rangers clung on for victory.

🎥 REACTION: Steven Gerrard spoke to @RangersTV after tonight''s first leg @EuropaLeague victory in Croatia. pic.twitter.com/aU9t6rdbMW
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 26, 2018

Gerrard told RangersTV: “We’re very happy with him. His application and his work-rate in training, on and off the pitch, has been superb.

“And I think he got his reward tonight for that. I thought his performance was selfless. He ran his socks off for the team.

“His goalkeeper and defenders are thanking him and giving him credit for the work and shift that he put in for us.

“He should be proud of himself.”

Tough test tonight! Thought all lads put in a great shift to keep that clean sheet.. Proud of the boys but where only halfway there and we know there’s still work to be done next Thursday 🔴⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/Bo4PMkFAka
— James Tavernier (@James_Tavernier) July 26, 2018

The last time Gers claimed victory inside 90 minutes away from home in European competition was against Sporting Lisbon in 2008 as Walter Smith’s team fought their way towards the UEFA Cup final.

But Gerrard was delighted to see his team end that long wait with a gritty display.

The Light Blues had keeper Allan McGregor and centre-backs Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic to thank as they rebuffed Osijek time and again but now head into next Thursday’s Glasgow return with the all-important advantage.

👏 Thanks to all the bears who travelled to Osijek for your support tonight. pic.twitter.com/fivxm0quhV
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 26, 2018

“I thought the performance was strong,” Gerrard added. “Defensively we were very good and I thought there were some heroic individual performances in amongst that.

“I’m happy and satisfied – but at the same time I have a lot of respect for the opposition and know there is still work to do. We’ll need another display like that in seven days’ time.

“Tonight wasn’t a performance for our attacking players. It wouldn’t have looked great on the eye.

“But that’s how you get success in Europe. You’ve got to come to places like this and be hard to play against, weather the storm, not concede goals and try to get something at the other end.”