Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce claims Rangers star’s ‘baggage’ could damage long-term future
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has claimed that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos is affecting his “long term future” with his behaviour off the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that the Colombian could scupper his chances of ever playing on of Europe’s top leagues if he doesn’t learn how to follow the rules.
The 23-year-old was at the centre of a controversy recently when he failed to report back to Ibrox on time following a personal leave of absence, prompting Steven Gerrard to drop him from his match day squad for the Scottish Cup defeat against Hearst.
Morelos has since featured against both Hamilton and Ross County, but has still scored just one goal since returning from the winter break.
And Bruce believes that he needs work on his professionalism if he is to ever realise his full potential.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “He’s got to try and sort his off-field issues out, Morelos, because he’s not just affecting Rangers, he’s affecting his long term future in terms of trying to further his career as well if he’s got ambitions of coming and playing in the English Premier League, or La Liga, or one of the top leagues.
“People will probably look at him and say there’s too much baggage going on off the field.
“He gets sent off too many times, there’s disciplinary issues – these are all things that he needs to try and abolish from his game in terms of himself being able to reach the next level because at the minute it’s going to hold him back.”
His last Scottish Premiership goal came against Kilmarnock in a 1-0 Boxing Day victory.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Rarely seen Gers player squandered golden opportunity to usurp teammate on Sunday.