STEVEN GERRARD believes Rangers are not 'totally through the woods' when it comes to the future of striker Alfredo Morelos this season.

The Colombian was linked with a number of clubs during the transfer window and was the subject of an offer from Ligue 1 side Lille as they looked to clinch a deal.

Gerrard was able to retain the services of all of his key players this month but Qataris Al Duhail have recently been credited with an interest in Morelos.

The 24-year-old returned from international duty on Thursday afternoon - a situation boss Gerrard admitted 'wasn't ideal' - as Rangers prepare to face Celtic in the first Old Firm fixture of the season.

Morelos remains an integral part of the Gers squad after months of speculation and Gerrard said: "On many occasions, it was a thing I had to manage from day to day because I didn’t know myself whether there was going to be a bid for him or whether he was going to be sold.

"He’s a fantastic player and he’s still in the door. So we will use that to our benefit. How long he is going to be here for I don’t know. There are still certain windows open so I don’t think we are totally though the woods just yet.

"But from a selfish point of view, I want as many good players available to me from now till the end of the season as I can because it will give me a better chance of being successful. Selfishly, I am happy."

Morelos has had several moments of madness in Old Firm encounters during his Ibrox career.

But the forward has yet to be sent off this term and Gerrard said: “In terms of Alfredo, his discipline of course has improved – but I say that with caution on the eve of an Old Firm.

“He needs to continue that from now to the end of the season. He is looking fitter and sharper now."