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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Giovanni van Bronckhorst deliberates over Alfredo Morelos Rangers start ahead of Champions League showdown

Alfredo Morelos celebrates his goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Kilmarnock FC at Ibrox

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST faces a Champions League striker dilemma as Rangers prepare for their Ibrox date with destiny against Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Belgians head into the second leg of the third qualifying round clash aiming to protect a two-goal advantage after victory on home soil last week.

Rangers have now been boosted by the return of talisman Alfredo Morelos, however, and the Colombian could be handed a start against Union after scoring off the bench in the weekend win over Kilmarnock.

That Premiership victory saw summer signing Antonio Colak get off and running for Rangers as he opened his account with a fine finish in the second half.

And now the Croatian is vying for a spot with Morelos after the 26-year-old made his long-awaited return to action following five months on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Van Bronckhorst said: "Morelos has been training with us for a little bit longer and also had his first minutes for the season on Saturday.

"He’s there to take part in the game. If it’s from the start, we also have to assess him [on Tuesday]. Once the whistle goes, we are ready.

"His presence is there for everyone to see. The reception he got from the crowd.

"We know his strengths. We know he is capable of creating chances and making goals. For us, that’s a very positive thing.

"If you compare it with the last three months of the season, we had to do all the games without one striker. We had to adjust our game play and players had to adjust to new positions.

"It’s always key when you have strikers in the game and on the bench. Now we have a lot of competition in all areas of the pitch, also up front. That gives me more options.

"I’m really happy with the first goal of Alfredo but also Antonio. We have to keep going, creating chances.

"We have a lot of creativity in the team now and that’s also needed for tomorrow when you have to break defensive blocks."

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