Steven Gerrard was delighted to see Alfredo Morelos notch his 100th goal for the club but he revealed why the hitman was removed from the pitch in the second half.
The Colombian made way for Fashion Sakala but his first half strike, was to be the last goal of the game and enough for the Gers to claim all three points.
The elusive third never followed but in truth, the visitors were firmly in control of the encounter in the second half and Jon McLaughlin was never really troubled, despite a late flurry and two corners for Jom Goodwin’s side in the seven minutes of added time.
Following a booking for Morelos during his joyous goal celebration, the manager felt the decision had to e made in the best interest of the team, as he told Rangers TV, below:
“We were a bit worried for Buff (Morelos) on the yellow card so we wanted to do the right thing for the team.”
He continued, “To be fair to him, he played with discipline but we wanted to bring Fashion on, thinking St Mirren would gamble a bit and jump, leaving a bit more space in behind.”
Forward
The manager will be delighted that the landmark 100th goal has landed for Morelos and now the striker can aim for the goal trail and a period of stronger form, now that a lot of unnecessary ‘noise’ will have dissipated.
The Colombian is still searching for his best this season, but that hot streak can come again and it would be foolish to write him off.
Some claims believe a bit of Morelos’ edge has been lost with a change to his temperament and less card danger but there is no doubt that the fire in the belly remains, as clearly evidenced in the scenes after his headed goal, earlier today.