Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has backed Alfredo Morelos to emerge from his slump and start hitting the back of the net again.
The Colombian international only has seven goals in 22 appearances and cut a dejected figure after he was subbed against Dundee United.
Morelos was also caught up in a disciplinary flashpoint but his boss insisted he didn't lead with his elbow during the clash with Mark Connolly.
And Gerrard also believes the 24-year-old's game should earn him some respite from his Rangers critics despite not hitting the net domestically since September.
He said: ""Listen, we want to rely on Alfredo all the time. That's his job. Alfredo has to handle that pressure. I have to handle that pressure, we all do. We're all representing Rangers.
"It's quite normal for players to have dips in confidence or form. But what you do know is that it's only temporary and we know he'll bounce back. It won't be too long before he's scoring lots of goals and smiling even more than he is now.
"But I think one important thing to mention is that he's still doing a fantastic job for the team in terms of his hold-up play and the messages we're giving him, what he needs to do in and out of possession. So just because people on the outside don't see the goals raining in, it doesn't necessarily mean that we have the same feelings towards Alfredo.
"We've been really proud of what he's given this season. He's got a lot more team-mates who are capable of helping him in terms of the volume of goals that the team needs. We'll do everything we can to support him and get him back to where we all need him.
James Tavernier has been grabbing all the headlines but Gerrard also believes fellow defensive standout Connor Goldson deserves serious praise for his recent form.
He said: I think Connor Goldson has been outstanding this season, showing incredible leadership alongside James on and off the pitch. His passing has been next level and he has been working hard on it.
"He has put the work in and we are proud of the level he is playing at."
And Gerrard believes his side will be fully tested when they take on St Mirren's in Wednesday Betfred Cup quarter final.
He added: "St Mirren are certainly in a good place of late, they are organised and have pace and counter-attack in the side.
"They have a plan and a way of playing. Both teams are in good form heading into this and it is all set up to be a good test."
