Kris Boyd fears how Rangers will react if an injury rules Alfredo Morelos out of the Old Firm Derby against Celtic. The Hoops visit Ibrox on Monday in likely a crucial Premiership match.
The Gers will host their fierce Glasgow rivals to kick off 2023 hoping to close the gap at the top of the table. Michael Beale’s men sit nine points behind Ange Postecoglou’s team after 19 games. The Hoops have also won in their last 12 top-flight fixtures since September 18.
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Rangers are riding a six-match unbeaten run in the Premiership since November 6. Beale is also unbeaten with four wins from four since replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst in charge in November. But the 42-year-old is now set for his toughest test with the Old Firm Derby.
Boyd believes Morelos starting after his recent hamstring injury will be crucial to Rangers’ chances against Celtic. Beale had to replace the striker against Motherwell on Wednesday after pulling up with an issue. But the Gers boss is confident the Colombian is fit to return.
Morelos had scored to break the deadlock and assisted Malik Tillman before his early exit on 69 minutes. His efforts took the 26-year-old to five goals and two assists for the season so far after 16 Premiership outings. But he has only started four and played 597 minutes.
Boyd fears a ‘crushing’ blow for Rangers if an injury keeps Morelos out vs Celtic
Boyd admits frustrations are building around Morelos at Rangers but, injury-dependent, he can win supporters back against Celtic. The Gers hero also fears for his former team if they are without the Colombian on Monday. While the Hoops would fear Morelos if he starts.
“Scoring an Old Firm winner? Now that would be the perfect way to win back the affection of the Ibrox faithful,” Boyd suggested in his column for The Scottish Sun. “This is the ideal opportunity to redeem himself and shut up a lot of people – me included.
“Beale says Morelos will be fit enough to lead the line after responding well to treatment for a hamstring injury. With few other real striking options available, losing him would be a crushing blow. A fit and fully firing Morelos is a handful for any defence.
“He is arguably the one guy Celtic’s backline won’t relish being up against. [The] Celts are strong favourites. But [the] Gers’ chances of getting the win they need will be boosted if their main marksman starts.”
Antonio Colak is Rangers’ top-scorer in the Premiership so far this season with 11 goals in 14 appearances. Yet only James Tavernier has also outscored the five goals of £1m striker Morelos and midfielder John Lundstram with the right-back hitting six with three penalties.
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