Michael Beale has opened up on his 'value on the shirt' message as he responded to speculation surrounding Alfredo Morelos' future.
The Rangers boss has only made one change to his starting team in the last three games with John Lundstram coming in for Ryan Jack against Raith Rovers. He has often rotated his pack but after naming virtually the same team for the third game running the Ibrox gaffer has explained the reasons behind that process, explaining there is 'no grey areas' for the players and when you have the shirt you have to keep it as he sent an all in or out message.
Speaking live on Viaplay after the game as his side booked their Scottish Cup semi-final spot, he said: "What I have tried to do is put value on the shirt. If you've got it you have to keep it. If you don't do well and someone comes in. The other thing is energy as well. I want to see energy from the group. Not just here in front of the paying public but also at the training ground. In the quality of your training and the energy you are giving the group.
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"There are no grey areas You are either all in or you are out. It is a summer we are going to make some big decisions, but the right ones and without being reckless. There is a lot going on in the background, but to play for our club we have to go on and win things and compete. We've fallen below those standards. No one is hiding from it. It is an interesting few months but today we've got to the semi-finals. Three games in a week I should probably smile a wee bit."
The Light Blues ran out 3-0 winners with Connor Goldson and Scott Arfield scoring either side of an own goal. Alfredo Morelos - who has been linked with signing a pre-contract with La Liga side Sevilla - came on for the final 12 minutes as Beale provided an update on his current situation as he responded to speculation over the Colombian.
He said: "Listen, Alfredo had the shirt. He was the only striker fit and did very well. I think in the last 14 games he has seven goals and five assists. There is the one thing he has performed. He is training well in the background but I like Toni's energy [Antonio Colak] and I put him in. In midweek him and Fashion [Sakala] were fantastic. They had a bit of a contrasting game today.
"In terms of reports from the outside I've not spoken to him. He is free to go and speak to other people. We've not spoke to or offered him anything. We've not offered anything to the out of contract players. We want to have a look and keep talking.
"Ryan Jack is in a place I have said publicly I would like him to stay and the same with Ryan Kent.
"Alfredo's situation is slightly different. He's been at the club a long time, but I need to see a little more from Alfredo day in, day out. I think when he has played and when the team has needed to play he is fine. But I want some more energy in the final third. Can he provide that? If he can then he is a better option than he has been in the last few months.
"I think that is just fair, everything that I am saying has been told to his face as well."
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