Craig Moore voices concern that Rangers talent is slipping back into 'old ways'

Former Rangers defender Craig Moore has voiced his concerns that current Ibrox star Alfredo Morelos could be reverting back to his “old ways”.
Alfredo Morelos. (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)Alfredo Morelos. (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)
Alfredo Morelos. (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)

The Colombian striker is facing a two-game ban after catching Dundee United United defender Mark Connolly with a flailing arm during Sunday’s 2-1 win at Tannadice. The 24-year-old was booked for the incident at the time but has since had his punishment upgraded by a review panel.

Morelos’ disciplinary record has often been an issue during his time in Glasgow, and the forward has picked up a number of high profile dismissals since joining the Gers.

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More recently, however, he had appeared to have curbed some of the fieriness in his game, and Moore is worried that Sunday’s clash is a manifestation of his recent dip in goal-scoring form.

The South American has hit seven goals in all competitions this season, but hasn’t found the back of the net since Bonfire Night.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Moore said: “In regards to Morelos, is that a type of player that’s low on confidence going back to old ways? It’s a concern for me.”

Fellow pundit Stephen Craigan responded: “The pictures don’t lie. The picture that was on Sky Sports, there was clearly a second movement.

"I have no problem with players using their arms as leverage to get themselves off the ground, but he was never winning the ball, at no stage did he take his eyes of Mark Connolly. The ball was irrelevant.

"When you’re jumping and you have a second movement, what does he want the compliance officer to do? What does he want us to talk about?

"Quite clearly, he’s thrown his arm as a weapon. That’s what it’s described as – is it a weapon, is it dangerous play? Yes it is because the intent is to harm an opponent.

"If he didn’t mean to harm an opponent, why then has he thrown an elbow? You’re only doing it for one thing, to leave a little bit on the defender.”

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Moore replied: “He cuts a very frustrated looking figure at this moment in time.

"He's seeing goals flying in left, right, and centre – unfortunately not enough for himself. Strikers need to be selfish. Their all about confidence, they’re all about their goals.

"Alfredo at the moment looks a little bit low on confidence. I’m sure he’s working as hard as he possibly can on the training field, but again, these kind of incidents that we’re talking about, it’s things that we’ve seen before.

"Nobody’s doubting the quality of the player, but in terms of those areas where he can let himself down, not only does he let himself down, but he potentially can let the team down.

"It’s not about Morelos, it’s about the team, and I think probably too many times, he’s let himself down and the team.

"I hope it’s not him going back to his old ways.”Morelos is now set to be sidelined for Betfred Cup clash with St Mirren on Wednesday night and the visit of Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

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