Most Rangers fans would agree that Steven Gerrard has overseen improvements in his first season in charge.
Second place has been secured with three games to spare, so there’s some tangible progression.
There was disappointment in domestic cup competitions, but an excellent run in Europe.
With backing in the coming transfer window, a genuine league challenge is on the cards for next season.
In the short term, though, the manager has a chance to prove he has the stomach to be a successful Rangers boss.
Alfredo Morelos is back available on Sunday, having served a four-match suspension.
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However, Jermain Defoe has been impressive in the Colombian’s absence and simply doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
Gerrard has already admitted that he could opt to omit Morelos [BBC Sport]. Now, he must back it up.
Manager must make a statement
Sometimes difficult decisions need making. Whether or not Morelos is set to stay next season, no one individual is bigger than the club.
He has been absolutely superb when he’s managed to stay on the pitch. He should finish as the league’s top scorer as well as reaching 30 goals in all competitions before the season is out.
Yet, he’s let the fans, his teammates and Gerrard himself down on multiple occasions. The manager needs to show his striker and the rest of the squad that there are consequences outside of SFA sanctions.
If you miss matches and your replacement performs well, you can’t just walk straight back in.
That’s not to say there’s no place for Morelos off the bench on Sunday. He could prove a decisive weapon in the last half an hour, but Defoe has earned the shirt and should keep it for now – at least.
