STEVEN GERRARD will challenge Alfredo Morelos to be 'fit and firing' for the start of the new campaign following his international exploits with Colombia.
The striker is preparing for the Copa America semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday night after Reinaldo Rueda's side overcame Uruguay on penalties to reach the last four.
Morelos has been heavily linked with a potential move to Porto this summer and time will tell how long the 25-year-old remains part of Gerrard's squad this term.
Rangers begin their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Partick Thistle on Monday evening and Gerrard has been keeping a close eye on the fortunes of his star striker whilst putting his squad through their paces in recent days.
OSPINA SAVES IT AND COLOMBIA ARE HEADED TO THE SEMIFINALS 🔥🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/WIRyvnT1Ou
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 4, 2021
Gerrard told RangersTV: "We all know how proud Alfredo is to represent Colombia. He is obviously on the other side of the world but we have still got eyes on him, we’re still in contact and still trying to make sure that he does the right things.
"When he finishes in the tournament, he will have a short break and then he will come and join us for the rest of pre-season and we will try and get him ready for game one as well.
"It is important that he does the right things from when he stops until he comes back because he will have a very short pre-season and we need Alfredo to be fit and firing for the important games that are coming our way."
