STEVEN Gerrard hailed goal hero Alfredo Morelos last night as the player of this year’s Europa League and said he had no doubt he would bounce back from his Hampden torment.
The little Colombian was unable to convert numerous glorious opportunities during Sunday’s BetFred Cup final against Celtic but got redemption with a priceless first half goal against Young Boys which saw the Ibrox side finish second in Group G behind Porto and join the Parkhead side in the last 32.
It moved him onto 14 goals for the season in continental play, more than any other player in the competition – although typically he trudged up the tunnel in a huff after James Tavernier refused to look his way when a late break-out could have seen him grab another and clinch the win which would have sealed top spot.
“I’m not surprised,” said Gerrard. “People asked me about Alfredo yesterday, how he would be affected.
“Alfredo is Alfredo. He’s a born goal scorer. He’s a human being, some days he won’t be able to be the hero. But he’s got to be up there as player of the tournament so far.
“Big goals against top opposition. I had no doubt he was going to bounce back. That’s what I see in him. If he gets praise, he’s right back on to perform. If he gets criticism, he tends to put it behind him and do his best for the team.
“I think he had his eyes on being even more of a hero," he added. "He wanted to go and finish Young Boys off. The pass wasn’t right. So he took that down the tunnel with him. But, when the dust settles, he’ll be a very happy man.”
It is the first time since 2011 that Rangers have qualified from a group stage and Gerrard said the club had won back some respect. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Ajax and Inter Milan await in Monday’s last 32 draw, although they will be kept apart from Celtic.
“It’s going to be very nice to see Rangers in the draw, among some elite teams around Europe,” he said. “It was an aim and target when I came through the door, get respect back in European competitions. Fans live for this.
"Getting through give the club a bit of kudos, for sure. We’ll be the team other players might fancy playing - but I’m sure Porto, Young Boys and Feyenoord felt like that too.”
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