Kyle Lafferty’s Rangers future is likely to provide a lot of goals, but will they be coming in the big games?
As it stands, Lafferty is second-choice behind Alfredo Morelos in the race to be Steven Gerrard’s number one front-man. Ever since signing from Hearts in a bid to bolster Gers going forward, Lafferty hasn’t been first-choice.
An early brace in his Rangers career against Motherwell announced his arrival. Since then, however, Morelos has upped his game in this intriguing fight for the striker’s jersey.
The Colombian forward bagged his 11th goal for the club this season against Hearts. More pertinently, however, it was yet another big-game goal to add to his collection. Indeed, Gerrard’s number one striker notched a brace against Rapid Vienna, and has scored big goals against Maribor, Osijek, and a hat-trick in Kilmarnock to name a few.
As it stands, Morelos is in red-hot form and simply can’t be dropped. His form is as good as it’s ever been at Ibrox, and Rangers are starting to see how good a player he can be.
Won’t go on the cheap
When Gerrard talks about not losing players for small cash, you have to include Morelos in this. When he one day leaves Glasgow, Rangers could be set for a real windfall as he continues to improve ten-fold. Adding European goals to his arsenal this season was essential, and Gerrard has to be delighted with his performances.
Yet, his ability to perform in the big games leaves a big question mark over Lafferty’s chances. Don’t get us wrong, Lafferty won’t be going anywhere soon, and he loves being back at Ibrox. He’ll have enjoyed Morelos’ goal against Hearts yesterday more than anyone. But his playing time when it comes to the must-win games is questionable.
The towering Ulsterman can play down the left-side. But with Ryan Kent in such scintillating form, Gerrard won’t be making any changes down that side either.
Lafferty has a big fight on his hands to try and wrestle his place back in the side. Morelos is bringing such potency to the final third that dropping him opens Gerrard up to needless criticism. The Rangers fans currently adore both strikers, and in truth it maybe doesn’t matter who starts out of the two. The main thing is that Rangers get the results they require on a weekly basis.
But for Lafferty, he’ll want to play a big part in the big games as the season goes on. Whether he’ll have that chance remains questionable given Morelos’ fine form.
