ALFREDO MORELOS reckons he is treated differently to other players in Scottish football as he seeks to improve his discipline on the park with the help of Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

The striker was sent off five times, one of which was later rescinded, last term as his high card count became a major concern for Gerrard and costly for his side as they missed out on any silverware.

Gerrard was determined to help Morelos change his ways sooner rather than later and the Colombian appreciates the support he has been given at Ibrox in recent months.

Morelos said: "Yes I feel there are times that I probably get treated differently from other players if they were in the same situation, but I also realise and the staff have been great to help me realise that I have to change my behaviour too. I've learned from some of my mistakes.

"I characterise myself as a player who is very physical. That's been a benefit to me over time as I've been able to withstand rough hits and hard tackles. I've never had any fear or been scared of any player in the opposing team or any rival.

"I think here in this league because of the physicality and because of the passion for football there's been times when I've been physical with my play and therefore I have received yellow cards and red cards perhaps sometimes unjustly.

"Now I'm working with my team-mates. I'm working with the staff here and I think they always have my back and are supporting me. Hopefully, I can solve this issue and learn to play in the way they are looking for here."

The penny seemed to have dropped for Morelos in the early part of the campaign but he was sent off twice in December and missed Rangers' first three matches of the New Year as a result.

An 'up yours' arm raise at Fir Park earned him a red, while he attracted huge criticism for his 'game over' gesture after being sent off the in the Old Firm win.

He insists he never meant to offend, though, and told Sky Sports: "In the match against Motherwell we were winning a very important match and I scored a very important goal and I celebrated - I didn't mean to offend anyone.

"I think if you look back at the video I have done this celebration at home and at away matches, it is just part of my celebration in the moment and I don't even think about it. I think it was misunderstood if people think I was trying to offend someone or direct it at the opposing crowd.

"In the match against Celtic we were winning in extra-time. I fell down, whether that is simulation or not that's up to the referee but afterwards it was very frustrating to hear elements of the crowd screaming at me saying offensive things and racist words.

"I wasn't trying to instigate or incite anything else. I just wanted them to stop and it was sort of a symbol saying 'come on guys the game's over, this doesn't need to continue during the match. I understand if you are criticising but now it's over'.

"I'm not someone who wants to start a fight with anyone, I don't have any problem with any fans, any race and any religion and so I hope to be treated that same way."