Colombia boss Reinaldo Rueda has doubled down on his decision to snub Alfredo Morelos, insisting he has "no regrets" over his team decisions.
Morelos will miss Rangers ' vital clash with Celtic on Wednesday after travelling 14,832 miles to link up with his country - just to sit out both games.
He was left in the stand for clashes with Argentina and Peru, as Colombia fell to back to back defeats that extended their scoreless run to seven games and left them on the brink of World Cup elimination.
Colombia started three strikers over the course of the two games but none of Radamel Falcao, Rafael Santos Borre or Miguel Borja could find the back of the net.
Morelos had to travel 4,840 miles from Glasgow to Barranquilla for the match against Peru, 3,011 miles for their next qualifier in Cordoba in Argentina and then a further 6,981 miles to return from there to Glasgow...causing him to miss the Old Firm showdown for nothing.
But Rueda insisted he wouldn't resign and trusted the players he chose, despite a 664-minute goal drought. He said: "We all have to take responsibility for these difficult moments, but I will fight on.
"There are still two games left and I can still hope. This is not over.
"Perhaps we lacked finishing, but I do trust and have always trusted the group of players I picked.
"Yes, we have not scored for a few games, but we are always creating chances. We just couldn't convert them.
"I have no regrets about the side I picked."
Morelos could face another meaningless marathon journey next month when Colombia end their campaign with two games at home to Bolivia and away to Venezuela, with the last game scheduled for just a couple of days ahead of the third Old Firm showdown of the season at Ibrox.
