RANGERS manager Steven Gerrard has appointed a penalty-kick taker should the Ibrox side be awarded a spot-kick at Celtic Park today.
Alfredo Morelos missed from the spot at Hampden this month in the Betfred League Cup final defeat to Celtic, the last time Rangers had a penalty. Morelos had been given the responsibility after Ibrox captain James Tavernier had missed three spot-kicks in the opening months of the season.
Gerrard inevitably kept his cards close to his chest but midfielder Steven Davis could be a contender, albeit that he also recently missed a penalty for Northern Ireland against Holland.
“I've decided who'll take a penalty if necessary,” said the Rangers manager. “I've had a chat with some individuals and spoke to the guy who will take the penalty on Sunday. He's ready if and when we get that opportunity. The penalty taker or takers practice before every game.”
Morelos has failed to score against Celtic in his 11 previous attempts and scorned numerous chances at Hampden three weeks ago with Fraser Forster in inspired form. Such profligacy, however, is always liable to come at a cost.
“We know all about Celtic individually and collectively,” Gerrard said. “They are a good team, consistent at home, very strong but beatable. But they are only beatable if we take our big chances in the game and that we have the courage and the bravery to create those chances again. Hopefully we have players that can execute it this time.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here