Michael Beale has confirmed Alfredo Morelos HAS trained and should be ready to face Celtic.
The Colombian hitman was forced off during the midweek 3-0 win over Motherwell at Ibrox. He was on the scoresheet alongside Connor Goldson and Malik Tillman as the new boss made it four wins on the spin since his return north of the border. It's now time for his biggest test to date as Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic side visit Govan for the second derby of the season.
The Hoops hammered the Light Blues at Parkhead earlier this season and hold a nine point advantage at the top of the Premiership ahead of the new year clash. Victory for the hosts and that gap will drop to six but defeat and the champions will extend their advantage to 12 and take a huge stride towards back to back Scottish top flight triumphs.
READ MORE: Rangers vs Celtic on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for Old Firm derby
The Rangers boss also delivered positive news over strike pair Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe after spells on the sidelines for the duo.
Addressing the media ahead of the derby, Beale said: "He [Morelos] came in yesterday and felt better. He's on his second day of recovery. As far as I can see at this moment in time he'll be available.
"Antonio Colak will be available as well but Kemar Roofe will be touch and go because he's done slightly less recovery.
"He [Roofe] will definitely be available if Morelos isn't. It's one of those situations, I think we've used twenty players in the four league games due to the fact I'm trying to get the group to where they are now.
"If Alfredo comes through we've played our cards quite well in terms of getting to this point with everybody a little bit fitter and stronger than they were a month ago."
On his first derby as Rangers boss, he added: "Really looking forward to it, a top derby and a privilege to be involved in it. It's three points, it's not one win and everything is rosy.
"At the moment, we have won the four games and done what we needed to do. As much as I want more they have got the wins.
"After the game, I'll know exactly the job I need to do here. We have looked a lot stronger with the return of the centre-backs to the team.
" At this moment in time, Celtic have had a better rhythm than us but we have to do whatever it takes to get the result.
"I'm hugely confident, it is Rangers at Ibrox. In a one-off game, we will meet them at the halfway line and go forward for the three points.
" We won't make a step backwards for Celtic or anyone who comes to Ibrox."
READ NEXT:
- Amad Diallo continues post Rangers form as Celtic favourite Patrick Roberts nets in Sunderland win
- Ange Postecoglou fires Celtic 'can always get better' message ahead of Rangers Old Firm derby
