Alfredo Morelos should be proud says Rangers boss Steven Gerrard sfter Europa League win

The Colombian faced flak after missing a string of chances in the Ibrox side’s opening Europa League ties with Shkupi.

But he made amends in Croatia against Osijek as he nodded home a crucial away goal after 18 minutes to give the Light Blues a precious 1-0 win at the City Gardens Stadium and a major boost on their bid for the third round.

But his boss was more impressed by the 22-year-old’s graft up front as Rangers clung on for victory.

Gerrard said: “We’re very happy with him. His application and his work-rate in training, on and off the pitch, has been superb.

“And I think he got his reward tonight for that. I thought his performance was selfless. He ran his socks off for the team.

“His goalkeeper and defenders are thanking him and giving him credit for the work and shift that he put in for us.

“He should be proud of himself. I thought the performance was strong,” Gerrard added. “Defensively we were very good and I thought there were some heroic individual performances in amongst that.

“I’m happy and satisfied - but at the same time I have a lot of respect for the opposition and know there is still work to do. We’ll need another display like that in seven days’ time.

“Tonight wasn’t a performance for our attacking players.”