Charlie Nicholas comments on Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos ahead of Europa League

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Charlie Nicholas has not been impressed by Rangers star Alfredo Morelos for his form of late, but expects him to turn up in the European showdown with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.

The Gers host Bundesliga opposition Leverkusen at Ibrox for the first leg of a Europa League last 16 tie, with the return fixture a week later in Germany.

Steven Gerrard’s side have been immense in Europe so far this term, but their form domestically has vanished recently and a number of individuals desperately need to regain some form.

Morelos has 29 goals in 44 games across all competition this season, but he’s scored just once in 10 matches since return back from a calf injury.

The 23-year-old centre-forward has completely lose his threat in the final third and surely the Scottish giants need him at his best to stand a chance against Leverkusen.

Sky Sports pundit Nicholas has ripped into the Colombia international for recent displays, but believes he will regain some kind of form on Thursday night.

“The lack of form from Alfredo Morelos has been pretty dramatic. He looks unfit and he looks as if he does not care,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“But his reputation in the Europa League will matter to him. Decent clubs will want to watch him play against a very good side, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to turn up.”

TBR’s View:

Rangers are preparing to face a slick Leverkusen team that are likely to be on top during the two legs, so it’s vital that Gerrard’s team make the most of their home advantage on Thursday and are clinical when they are in possession.

Morelos has 14 goals in European matches this season including the qualifiers and the main stage of the competition, so has previous for raising his game and that has to be the case again to cause a big upset.

He’s certainly looked a yard off the pace in recent games, but to suggest he’s disinterested seems a little harsh and it should just be put down to a rough spell that most strikers endure.