Gerrard on Morelos: "This is a kid who I've loved and I still do love him. He's a top player who has scored a great volume of goals for us. But I think we all know, from time to time, what he does and what he's about"
Saturday 29 February 2020 23:31, UK
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says Alfredo Morelos was left out of their Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat to Hearts after returning back late from a trip to Colombia.
The 23-year-old was a surprise omission from Rangers' matchday squad for the 1-0 loss at Tynecastle, but Gerrard explained he sat the game out for disciplinary reasons.
Speaking after they crashed out of the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Hearts on Sunday, Gerrard explained the reasons behind Morelos' omission.
"Alfredo came to me 10 days ago or so and he said his mum wasn't feeling right, so he asked for permission to go back to Colombia, which I granted and said, 'at the right time you can go home and sort your family problems out'.
"He left on Sunday after the game [against St Johnstone] because he was suspended [for the Europa League victory in Braga].
"I looked him in the eye and said, 'you've got to be back on Wednesday' and he said 'OK, I really appreciate that'.
"He returned 24 hours late and he missed one of the key preparation days into this game, so I decided to go with people who had done the full preparation, who were desperate to be available for today.
"This is a kid who I've loved and I still do love him. He's a top player who has scored a great volume of goals for us. But I think we all know, from time to time, what he does and what he's about.
"I couldn't forget players that are working ever so hard and were desperate for an opportunity today over people who have got discipline like that, I can't do it.
"I wouldn't be true to myself."
