Alfredo Morelos decision made in three changes – Rangers confirmed XI v Hearts
Michael Beale made three changes to Rangers’ confirmed starting XI to face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership encounter on Wednesday (24 May).
The most notable of those was the surprise return of Alfredo Morelos, who was named in attack alongside Fashion Sakala in place of Ianis Hagi.
Allan McGregor was named in goal in place of Robby McCrorie. The veteran goalkeeper was one of five players, alongside Morelos, who were told on Tuesday (23 May) they would not be staying at Ibrox next season by Beale.
The final change from the side that beat Hibernian 3-1 last time out saw Glen Kamara replace Ryan Jack, who dropped to the bench, in midfield.
Time to stake a claim as a new era is ushered in
The times they are a changing at Ibrox.
The 2023-24 season has not even finished yet and already Rangers are putting huge blocks in place for next term under Michael Beale.
Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent, Morelos, Filip Helander and McGregor were all confirmed to be leaving Ibrox on Tuesday (23 May), while the arrival of Kieran Dowell – announced on Wednesday (24 May) – is sure to be the first of many arrivals.
The inclusions of Morelos and McGregor come, perhaps, as somewhat of a surprise given a new era is about to be ushered in and it hints at Beale affording a farewell appearance to two players who have been a big part of the success at Ibrox of the past few seasons.
But for many others, too, it could be a goodbye appearance if they do not do enough to convince Beale they are worthy of a place in his rebuild. Staking a claim against Hearts would be a good place to start.
In other Rangers news, the futures of Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin Rangers remain unclear after Michael Beale update.