On Wednesday afternoon, Rangers defeated Welsh club, The New Saints, 1-0 in a friendly.
The match took place at the Hummel Training Centre and is the squad’s final fixture before their Europa League qualifying tie against St Joseph’s next Tuesday.
The only goal of the game came courtesy of Jermain Defoe. Despite his age, the 36-year-old striker is still razor sharp and he tapped in after good work from James Tavernier and new signing, Sheyi Ojo.
22 players were given a run out by Steven Gerrard, with only Allan McGregor playing more than 45 minutes.
Even Andy Firth, who didn’t feature in the last fixture against Mansfield in Portugal, got minutes under his belt.
However, there was a noticeable absentee from the squad. Alfredo Morelos.
The 22-year-old striker was vital for Rangers last season, netting 30 goals in all competitions.
Yet, there was no sign of him on the team sheets today. Instead, the match-winner, Defoe, led the line in the first half, while Greg Stewart appears to have adopted the no.9 role during the second period.
Where is El Bufalo?
This could be a cause for concern for Rangers fans.
Morelos has been involved in every aspect of pre-season until now and his absence is as yet unexplained.
Let’s hope it’s just a niggle and that he was rested as a precaution. However, given we are bang in the middle of a transfer window, there’s a potential he could be in negotiations with another club.
Steven Gerrard has repeatedly said that every player has his price [Scotsman]. Therefore, if a suitable offer came in, there’s every chance the club will take it.
