Friday 17 May 2019 15:04, UK
Rangers assistant boss Gary McAllister hopes missing out on a Copa America slot will finally convince Alfredo Morelos to clean up his act.
The striker has bagged 29 goals this season but that has not been enough to earn a place in the Colombia squad this summer after being left out by boss Carlos Queiroz.
Morelos looked well placed to join up with Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez for the tournament in Brazil after making his first international start against South Korea in March.
But just five days after collecting his third cap he suffered a shock meltdown at Celtic Park as he lashed out at Hoops skipper Scott Brown.
That earned him his fifth red card of the season and Queiroz admitted Morelos' discipline woes were a major factor in his omission as he opted to go with the frontmen he could rely on.
"Alfredo has had an amazing season," McAllister said. "He's a player who I think has got loads of potential and going down the line there's a top, top international footballer there.
"Just be patient, he'll be okay. We have to remember he's still only 22 so he had plenty of time.
"Hopefully missing out for his country this summer is a lesson. He's a young man and he's got to be learning and taking everything on board.
"There's been a lot said about the fella. We try as a coaching staff to advise, senior players in the dressing room speak to him as well.
"Hopefully the penny is dropping but he'll be fine."
Nikola Katic and Scott Arfield will also miss Rangers' trip to Kilmarnock at the weekend after both were given extra time off ahead of summer commitments with Croatia's Under-21s and Canada respectively.
But Graham Dorrans could end his seven-month knee injury nightmare against Steve Clarke's side.
"Graham has featured well in training recently," said McAllister.
"He's had a couple of games behind closed doors and done very well so Graham will come into consideration for the weekend definitely.
"I've just been told we've never had a clean sweep of wins after the split so that is a good incentive for us.
"We're on a good run so it will be nice to finish on a high and have that buoyancy for next season."
