Rangers squad will be strengthened for the return of Alfredo Morelos but that will only be the case if the player applies himself to Rangers benefit and his own.
The well publicised recent issues have dented the Colombian’s reputation within the squad and the club, but it will also have rippled through the football grapevine to watching outsiders as well as those in his homeland.
The best response possible on his return to the team would be to make a significant impact for Rangers in Saturday’s Old-Firm derby against Celtic at Parkhead.
The soundings from Rangers and especially Giovanni van Bronckhorst have been that the harsh discipline meted out to Morelos has hit home with him but if the penny has dropped, there can be no going back. Any repeat situation will likely spell the end of the road at Ibrox for a player who has given so much at times, yet frustrated and disappointed in others.
For now, he returns to the squad and is available for selection tomorrow, as confirmed by Gio:
“Yes, Alfredo is in the squad for tomorrow. I had good talks with him last Sunday. I think he understood the message and also worked hard to be back and help the team because he is still a quality player with lots of threats in front of goal.”
“His training this week was very positive. He will be included tomorrow. You want players in the squad who can change games. Alfredo can do that. He is a big threat in front of goal. It gives me another option to play with him. I’m happy for all of us he’s back. He looks positive.”
The prospect of Morelos getting game time tomorrow will depend on how the game unfolds but it is a huge positive that Rangers have another senior striker available. A full week of training and good application will go in his favour, the rest is up to him.
🎙️ Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's Old Firm match against Celtic. pic.twitter.com/Hbt4h6qh2H
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 2, 2022