Steven Gerrard explains reasoning for dropping Rangers star Alfredo Morelos

Colombian striker disciplined by club and not involved in 18-man squad for Scottish Cup clash

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos. Picture: SNS

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has revealed a disciplinary issue is the reason why Alfredo Morelos missed his side's defeat against Hearts Tynecastle.

The Colombian was a surprise omission from the 18-man squad for the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final in Gorgie.

However, Gerrard explained the 23-year-old was left out of his squad after returning back late from an agreed trip to his homeland.

Gerrard told Premier Sports: "Alfredo's not with us because of a disciplinary issue. He was given permission last week to go to Colombia on Sunday until Wednesday to deal with a family matter, which we supported and agreed to.

"He's reported back 24 hours late from that. Due to that he's failed to report to training on Thursday, which means he's missed a lot of perpetration going into this game.

"So I've decided to pick players who have done the full preparation and who are desperate to be here and help us get through to the next round."

It left Rangers a little light in attack with Florian Kamberi cup-tied and Jermain Defoe only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Rangers were eliminated from the competition as an Oliver Bozanic goal was enough to see Hearts through to the semi-finals.