Sam Stone

Thu 29 December 2022 7:10, UK

Kevin Thomson was left baffled by Alfredo Morelos after the Rangers striker failed to pass to Malik Tillman in the first half of the Gers’ win over Motherwell.

The American was fouled by Ricki Lamie in the 25-minute after receiving the ball from Morelos. James Tavernier fired the subsequent free-kick straight at Liam Kelly in the Motherwell net.

Thomson felt Morelos could’ve waited and played a reverse pass to the American, instead of playing the pass in between two defenders.

“I actually thought he could’ve reversed it, Alfredo Morelos, Malik Tillman makes a brilliant run and I actually think he can play a cut back down the side,” said the BT Sport pundit (20:10, 28 December, Rangers TV).

“Just as he receives it he could reverse that down the side of the defender rather than in between the two defenders. He definitely fouls him, it’s a full-throttle challenge.”

Important win

That was an important win for the Gers and now the attention will turn to the showdown against Celtic on 2 January. The Motherwell victory was probably the most comfortable of Michael Beale’s rein so far, with the Light Blues in control for large swathes of the match.

Tillman was superb and caused all sorts of problems for the Motherwell defence. The 20-year-old linked up well with Morelos throughout the match. Getting both players on the ball as much as possible in attacking areas is a must against The Hoops.

Ben Davies also impressed at the heart of the defence and Borna Barisic looked rejuvenated after playing for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar. This performance is the perfect way for the Gers to head into the Old Firm clash and there should be confidence among the players that they can pick up a positive result.

Three points will open the title race up and pile the pressure on Ange Postecoglou’s side.

In other Rangers news, the club are now fancying their chances of major a January transfer after Fabrizio Romano’s update with a move on the cards.