Rangers paid an emotional farewell to Alfredo Morelos yesterday in front of a sell-out Ibrox crowd with the Colombian set to depart the club in the summer.
The Ibrox club confirmed his departure earlier this week, with Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander also exiting.
Morelos started last night against Hearts in his final home game for the club before he was replaced by Scott Wright on 80 minutes.
And he signed off in typical fashion as he clashed on the touchline with Hearts interim boss Steven Naismith.
After Todd Cantwell opened the scoring in Govan, Morelos made a beeline for Naismith on the touchline before holding a finger to his lips.
After the game Michael Beale welcomed Kieran Dowell to Rangers after watching his side drop two points in a 2-2 draw against Hearts at Ibrox.
The Light Blues announced before the game that the 25-year-old midfielder would be joining the club from Norwich in the summer.
In Rangers’ final home cinch Premiership match of the season, Jambos skipper Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring after less than a minute and it took until added time in the first half for Todd Cantwell to level.
Fashion Sakala put Rangers ahead early in the second half but in the final seconds of three added minutes substitute Garang Kuol took advantage of some slackness to fire in the equaliser, albeit the Light Blues will finish the season unbeaten at home in the league.
Beale was enthusiastic about Dowell, saying: “I’m delighted to get Kieran and he is a boy I have known for quite a while as when I was at Liverpool he was at Everton.
“He played for England Under-21 and then got a move to Norwich and played in the Premier League. They have had changes of coaches, so he comes in and knows three or four of the dressing room.
“We have missed a lefty since we lost Joe Aribo. He is similar to Tom Lawrence, Scott Arfield, Todd Cantwell that he can play in midfield or up a line.
“I think he will kick on here and someone who will be seen as a good signing over time and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Rangers asked fans to stay behind after the game to pay tribute to Allan McGregor, Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander, all of whom will leave in the summer, which they did with enthusiasm.
Beale, who will refurbish his squad further, said: “We are nearly there, we have been waiting to get to this point. Without being disrespectful we needed energising and we will come back stronger.
“We aren’t that far away from where we want to be, we have five, six or seven players coming in.
“I think the boys who came in in January (Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin) gave us energy and the fans want more.
“What I would say to the new players, is if you see how the boys who are leaving were treated then it is a wonderful football club.
“If you give your heart and soul, then the fans will pay you back tenfold. I don’t think it is normal what has happened tonight, especially after a trophyless season.
“The appreciation the fans showed was incredible and I am proud of them as they have had it tough this year.
“They seem optimistic and behind the group and they sent the boys off the right way.”
