Jelavic states loyalty to Ibrox after Anfield link

Nikica Jelavic is flattered by reported interest from Liverpool but has stressed his commitment to Rangers.

Speculation that Jelavic was poised to move from Rangers heightened when the Croatian striker missed Monday’s Premier League win at Motherwell with a groin injury. However, Jelavic maintains his focus is on succeeding at Ibrox after netting 12 SPL goals this term.

He was quoted as saying in Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija: “Of course it [the link to Liverpool] is impressive to me, but I do not know how much truth there is.

“My task is to play. Liverpool is a great name, but I say the question is: are they really interested? Every day in the paper a new club appears that wants me, and it is a little ridiculous. I do not know anything.

“That’s why I just do not read newspapers. I want to concentrate on Rangers. I’ve got two and a half years on my contract and if the club decides to sell me, because they are in a difficult financial situation, then fine.”

Meanwhile, Sone Aluko has called on his Rangers team mates to make up for Jelavic’s absence by scoring more frequently.

The winger netted for the first time in almost 11 months in the 3-0 win over Motherwell as Rangers recovered from successive defeats to St Mirren and Celtic.

Rangers are two points behind leaders Celtic ahead of this week’s break in league duties, with Arbroath the opposition in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Sunday. David Healy was also on target in the defeat of ‘Well, which saw Kyle Lafferty go off with a hamstring problem to add to Rangers’ forward concerns, with Steven Naismith already out with a knee injury.

Aluko said: “We have to share the goal scoring. We can’t just rely on three players to see us through the season. We all have to chip in and try to get on the score sheet but I think the team will handle that and it’s part of playing for Rangers and having that pressure on you.”