Rangers told ‘get over it’ by Chris Sutton after major blow, lauds Celtic, Ally McCoist responds
Rangers have been told to “get over it” and stop “feeling sorry for themselves” by Chris Sutton after Alfredo Morelos’ injury.
The Colombian was ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery on a thigh injury picked up on international duty, and in his absence Gers were beaten at home in the Old Firm derby and lost the first leg of their Europa League tie against Braga 1-0.
Ex-Hoops striker Sutton compared the Light Blues unfavourably to his old side, while Ibrox hero Ally McCoist stuck up for them.
Sutton told Scottish Football Extra on BT Sport, via Football Scotland: “Rangers’ players are feeling sorry for themselves because they haven’t got big Alf up front. They’ve got to get over it.
“Look across the city at Celtic. Arguably the best player in the league, Kyogo Furuhashi has been out and Celtic have found a way to cope without him.
“That’s what Rangers need to do.”
McCoist replied in mitigation: “I wouldn’t say they’re feeling sorry for themselves. I’m not sure I’d go that far.
“However, there was a lack of energy, particularly in the forward areas and there’s absolutely now way – and this is where you’re absolutely right – that they can start feeling sorry for themselves.
“They’re in the quarter-finals of a European trophy. What an opportunity they have to get to the final. Some of these players might never get an opportunity like this in their careers, so they’ve got to go and grab it.”
Hammer blow
There’s no doubt that the loss of El Bufalo is a major disruption to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans for the season.
The Dutchman has really got the best out of his striker since he arrived and so much of the game plan relied on him.
His style of play makes him particularly hard to replace, but they have to find a way.
A one-goal deficit in their European quarter-final is not a terrible result so they can certainly overturn that at Ibrox if they raise their game.
The league title defence looks to be over, but they have upset the odds so far on the continent.
An unlikely success in that competition would still make this a memorable season so the squad cannot let their heads drop now.
In other Rangers news, one key Gers player may have played his last game for the team.