Alfredo Morelos came back in from the cold for Rangers against Celtic and was “rubbish”, according to Pat Nevin.
The Colombian was exiled from the squad by Giovanni van Bronckhorst ahead of the Gers’ crucial Champions League playoff second leg clash away to PSV. The Dutchman had cited concerns over the striker’s attitude and fitness since coming back from a thigh injury and didn’t take him to Eindhoven.
That call was justified after the in-form Antonio Colak fired the Ibrox club into the Lucrative group stage with the only goal of the game, giving Rangers a 3-2 victory on aggregate. Morelos also missed the following match against St Johnstone and the Premier Sports Cup win over Queen of the South due to suspension after his sending off against Hibs last month. But after showdown talks with the manager, he was back in the fold ahead of Saturday’s first Old Firm encounter of the season.
By the time he got on the park as a second half substitute, it was game over with Celtic three goals up by half-time as they blew Rangers away. Morelos wasn’t the reason the Light Blues were well beaten, but given the vents of the previous week, Nevin expected to see far more from the 25-year-old in a bid to show van Bronckhorst he’d learned a lesson. However, he questioned his attitude after coming off the bench and insisted no Champions League clubs will be sniffing around if he doesn’t up his game dramatically.
“Alfredo Morelos came on against Celtic in the Old Firm and he was rubbish,” said Nevin. “His attitude was poor and he was nowhere near good enough for Rangers. If a manager can get inside his head, he can get fit and get used to the fact he won't be the main man any more then he can still have a future.
“Morelos needs to realise that he wouldn't get a Champions League move if he were to leave Rangers so these might be the best years of his career. The best thing he can do is get his head right - he can't blow the opportunity he has right now.”
Despite a second heavy defeat in their rivals’ back yard in three visits, Nevin isn't writing off Rangers’ chances of winning the title this season just yet. But they’ll have a long way to go if they are to get to Celtic’s level. He said: “It was a great game. Celtic are a brilliant team to watch - they have high energy, great skill and every time you turn up to Celtic Park something special happens.
“They start games so quickly and it's as fast as any team you'll ever see. They were great, the better team and they deserved to win. I'm not writing Rangers off yet, they're improving under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. But they're certainly behind Celtic at the moment.”
Nevin also thinks they have a chance of making it to the knock-out rounds of the Champions League. Rangers kick off their campaign away to Ajax this Wednesday before facing Napoli and Liverpool.
He added: “Both teams are massive outsiders. If either of the two teams get through to the knockout stages it will be phenomenal. Rangers got to the Europa League Final last season so I'm not saying they have no chance, but both clubs are huge outsiders.
“Celtic are obviously outsiders in their group too, but I definitely wouldn't write them off. If they both qualify it'll be like winning a watch - it'll just be the most expensive watch you've ever seen.”
Pat Nevin was speaking to Grosvenor Sport .
READ NEXT:
