STEVEN GERRARD has defended Alfredo Morelos for his challenge on Mark Connolly during Rangers' Premiership victory over Dundee United on Sunday.

But the Ibrox boss concedes his star striker is suffering from a dip in confidence in the final third after a sixth outing without a goal on the day that saw Rangers extend their unbeaten run this term.

Morelos was booked early on at Tannadice for a robust aerial duel that saw him barge into Connelly and then catch the United defender with his arm.

The Colombian endured a frustrating afternoon thereafter in front of goal but his boss had no issue with the challenge that earned him his fifth booking of the campaign.

Gerrard said: “Why would I speak to him about that? I didn't see an elbow. If you look at him again, there's no elbow there. The referee saw it and dealt with it.

“It was a foul and a yellow card and it's been dealt with. But if you look at it again, next time I see you you'll say it wasn't an elbow.

“These things happen. He's not the first centre-forward that this has happened to. They have moments and phases where they are not in top form.

“He is working hard, he's doing a job for the team. His all-round play is good, he's just maybe lacking that wee bit of confidence in front of goal.

“That's for me to deal with and it will turn. I'm sure it will turn. He's just got to keep doing the right things and it will turn for him.”

The United bench were incensed by the challenge on Connolly as McLean chose to only issue a yellow card for the first half flashpoint.

Goals from James Tavernier and Connor Goldson ultimately won it for Rangers and Arabs boss Micky Mellon refused to be drawn on the incident.

Mellon said: “I wouldn’t want the opposition manager standing here and talking about my players. Everyone will have their opinion at home but the referee makes the decisions."