‘Deserved to be on the bench’ – Ally McCoist delivers verdict on one Rangers star v Poznan
Rangers legend Ally McCoist hailed Alfredo Morelos for equalling his European goalscoring record, but said that he deserved to be on the bench last night.
Morelos matched McCoist’s tally of 21 European goals for Rangers on Thursday night as he scored the winner in the Gers’ 1-0 Europa League win against Lech Poznan.
The Colombian has not been at his best in recent weeks according to McCoist, but he admitted that he deserves to go on and beat the record.
“I am going to tell you now, he deserved to be on the bench after his recent performances,” he said (via Glasgow Evening Times).
“What a goal it was and he was really, really brave and the Barasic ball was brilliant.
“He deserves enormous credit because that is a fantastic scoring record.
“I am thrilled and I am delighted because it was a goal that Rangers needed, no matter who scored I was always going to be pleased. Morelos will beat that record because it is there to be broken and he will deserve to beat it when he does do it.”
Competition for places
In the shape of summer additions Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe, alongside Jermain Defoe and Morelos, Steven Gerrard has far more quality striking options than in the past.
Roofe was preferred on the night against the Polish side, but it was Morelos who made the difference off the bench.
With four goals from 11 appearances so far this season, the Colombian has still been finding the net, but he is no longer an automatic selection (via WhoScored).
Perhaps the record and the increased competition will inspire him to improve and Gerrard will certainly be looking at all the ways he can get the most out of the mercurial 24-year-old.
Roofe failed to make an impact on Thursday and was subbed on 63 minutes, so it will be fascinating to see how the boss decides to play it come Sunday’s meeting with Kilmarnock.
It was back down to earth for Roofe after his wonder goal last week and he was probably the worst player on the pitch for the Gers.
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