The Rangers striker’s goal drought continued as Pedro Caixinha’s side were dumped out of the Scottish League Cup courtesy of two goals from a reported Ibrox target.
Peter Hartley claims he had the edge over Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos as Motherwell dumped the Ibrox side out of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.
The team from North Lanarkshire progressed to the final of the competition courtesy of a 2-0 win against the Gers at Hampden Park, in which Louis Moult scored both goals.
Rangers were linked with a move for Moult during the summer transfer window but landed Morelos, who arrived in a seven-figure deal from HJK Helsinki, instead.
The Colombian had enjoyed a bright start to his Ibrox career, scoring eight goals in his first nine games for Pedro Caixinha’s side.
But his drought was extended to five matches against Hartley’s team, with the on-loan Blackpool defender determined to shut out his opposite number by any means necessary.
The pair were involved in several tussles throughout the game, each receiving a yellow card for their troubles.
And Hartley told the Scottish Sun: “That [battle with Morelos] was always going to happen. He’s a bit of a warrior, he’s a tough lad and I caught him a few times — but he kept coming back for more.
“He never shied away from it, he’s a good player, and he’s a tough challenge. But I can’t remember Morelos having a shot on target, apart from a header in the second half.
“I can’t afford to show people respect. I appreciate the career he’s had, but it’s my bread and butter on the line, and I’ve got to do my job.
“He caught me a few times, but I’m not the kind of guy that will make a big deal of it. He hurt me and I stayed down, but I got up brushed myself off and was ready to go again.
“I knew he could get wound up. I saw Morelos against Hamilton and the big centre-half caught him a few times, and I could see him have a nibble back.
“It was just something I took on board, I thought if I could introduce myself early doors I might get something out of him and I did. But I ended up getting the yellow card first.
“If you look at our team we’re very physical, we introduce ourselves early to opposition players, but that’s part of what the gaffer has installed in us.
“Morelos is a physical player, he kept coming back for more, credit to him. But I felt I had the edge over him. He’s not the best centre-forward I’ve ever played against.”
Can Caixinha turn things around for Rangers after this latest setback?
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