Heading into Tuesday’s must win Scottish Cup replay with Aberdeen, the ominous prospect of Alfredo Morelos being yellow carded is a lingering worry.
Should the striker be shown a yellow and Rangers progress the Colombian would be banned for a semi-final with Celtic.
But whilst Rangers have a very tough quarter to contend with first, there’s only one answer to the dilemma. Even if Morelos is nailed on to pick up a card.
The obvious point is that Rangers aren’t even in a semi final with Celtic yet. They’re in a quarter final replay with Aberdeen. There is no point sacrificing Morelos’ place against Celtic to eventually lose to Aberdeen.
For this reason, and this reason before any other, Morelos simply must play. And I’ve no doubt he will.
This game suits Alfredo Morelos more than Jermain Defoe
But ignoring the obvious need to overcome this tough tie, there are certain qualities which make Morelos important for this game. He’s physical, athletic, and well up for the fight. Aberdeen are as well. They’re a more physical proposition than Celtic.
You can guarantee Aberdeen will be as robust as ever when they come to Ibrox on Tuesday night. This is the kind of battle Morelos relishes. It’s also the kind of battle we wouldn’t get with Defoe.
Against Celtic however, Defoe could be very useful option. Calm, composed and utterly ruthless, don’t doubt the legendary Premier League striker’s ability to come into that game and impress. He’s a big game player.
The Old Firm game suits Defoe’s style more than the slugging match we’re about to enter against Aberdeen.
For these reasons Morelos must play on Tuesday. Even if there was a guarantee he’d be yellow carded.
Former Rangers striker Gordon Smith believes Steven Gerrard should learn from Real Madrid’s mistakes and play the striker [originally Sunday Post].
