Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe could line up in attack as Rangers prepare to face Scottish Premiership high-flyers Killie on Wednesday.
Steve Clarke knows his Kilmarnock players will have to watch out for Alfredo Morelos as they prepare to welcome Rangers to Rugby Park on Wednesday.
The Colombian striker has been in fabulous form in front of goal this season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, but he has also accumulated 16 cards having been sent off three times.
Morelos is perhaps fortunate to be free to travel to Ayrshire at all after a escaping a ban following a series of unseemly flash points in Rangers’ dramatic 1-0 win against Celtic prior to the winter break.
So, speaking to the Scottish Sun, Clarke is at pains to remind his Kilmarnock defenders to avoid baiting a player who is known as ‘El Bufalo’ for a good reason.
“I have told my defenders to be careful because Morelos might be looking after himself and I told them not to get involved with him,” the 55-year-old said.
“I think recent games and incidents have shown that Morelos can handle himself. If he is looking after himself, my players need to be careful.”
Jermain Defoe could also make his Scottish Premiership debut for Steven Gerrard’s side in midweek, the 36-year-old having arrived on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season.
And Clarke, who knows Defoe well from his time in England at West Brom, Chelsea and co, has paid tribute to a man who has arguably made Rangers the favourites to secure their first top flight title in seven years.
“Defoe is terrific. You don’t need to talk him up because his record speaks for itself. Him and Morelos up front will be an interesting combination.”
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