STEVEN GERRARD reckons Alfredo Morelos' first Old Firm goal will give him a major confidence boost ahead of further Celtic clashes in the remainder of the campaign.

The striker finally opened his account against Celtic on Sunday as he scored at the 14th time of asking in the derby and ensured Rangers maintained their unbeaten Premiership run this term.

It was a sixth goal in nine matches for Morelos as he continued his fine recent form thanks to a typical poacher's goal that saw him in the right place at the right time to nod home after Leon Balogun had connected with a Borna Barisic corner.

Rangers could have two further Celtic showdowns to come this season if they draw John Kennedy's side in the Scottish Cup and Gerrard reckons the strike will be a weight off the mind for Morelos.

Gerrard said: “I thought his performance again was selfless. He did a lot of running and did well holding the ball up for us.

“He’ll be very relieved with his goal. We are because it should give him confidence and belief if we have to come here again this season.

“But credit to him because he’s scored big goals this season and you can’t get away from that.

 

 

“When you analyse the season so far he’s come up with big moments when you rely on your 9 to step up and score.

“But he should take a lift from that goal because the longer it goes the more people talk about it. He’ll have been aware of that.

“But with Alfredo it’s never through lack of trying. He’s a winner and he wants to win.

"He always tries to be a threat and unfortunately it hadn’t happened for him against Celtic before today.

"But it’s gone now and I think he’ll bounce into the next Old Firm with a lot of belief and confidence.”