Ally McCoist has told the Daily Record he is ‘loath to say’ Alfredo Morelos has overcome his previous red card record at Rangers, but hopes the striker has put those issues in the past.
The Ibrox icon is firm in his belief that Morelos has been the victim of his own downfall at times. He also notes how Morelos’ tendency to attract the attention of referees was a sore point for former Gers boss Steven Gerrard during his Premiership-winning time in charge.
Morelos has received 56 yellow cards and seven reds since he joined Rangers from Helsinki for £1m in 2017. He even broke a European single-season record during the 2018/19 term when given his marching orders for a fifth time. Sergio Ramos held the record with four.
Morelos often reacted excessively to the merest hint of unjust to leave Gerrard in dismay. But the 25-year-old has appeared to turn a corner in more recent seasons with a reduction in red cards. Yet he can still tread a thin line between what is acceptable and what is not.
McCoist ‘loath to say’ Alfredo Morelos has overcome Rangers red card record
McCoist has sensed a change in Morelos’ persona from the hot-heated Colombian who got hot under the collar at ease. Now, he hopes the forward has matured and learnt from the errors of his ways as the 25-year-old is no good to the Gers when just watching the action.
“Earlier in his Rangers career, he was costing himself with his discipline,” McCoist said. “He was costing himself goals, as well, because no matter how good you are, you can’t score when you’re sitting in the stand suspended, as he was far too often a few seasons ago.
“I’m hoping that was a phase and he’s gone through it now. He was younger, remember, but it was a frustration for Steven Gerrard at the time.
“We all make mistakes, and we all continue to make mistakes, and I’m loath to say he’s past that stage because he’s always got a fire burning in him, but he looks a lot calmer.”
Morelos has so far escaped seeing red this season, but has earned 10 yellows over his 36 appearances for Rangers. The 11-cap star has also earned yellow cards in each of his last two Premiership games. He now has seven this term – two shy of his single-season worst.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
