Steven Gerrard has just made a big January call…

Steven Gerrard has possibly prepared for life without Alfredo Morelos by recalling Ryan Hardie from his loan spell at Livi.

The 21-year old striker impressed hugely at Livi in both the Championship and Premiership, racking up 8 in 16 in Scotland’s second tier before adding a stunning 5 in 7 on his return from injury following promotion, and this form has led Steven Gerrard to invoke the terms of Hardie’s loan despite Livi boss Gary Holt borderline pleading for the player to remain at Almondvale.

Hardie flew to Tenerife today with the rest of the squad, albeit it must be similarly remembered he flew to Malaga with Rangers in the summer as well after his previous loan at aforementioned Tony Macaroni ended, so despite his being on the plane, we’re not necessarily sure that means he’s definitely back permanently.

Of course, the difference this time is his loan has been seemingly cut short by his parent club rather than it naturally expiring, so it does seem Gerrard wants the former St Mirren loanee back permanently.

And with Morelos absent from Tenerife today, Rangers have Jermain Defoe, Hardie and Kyle Lafferty to choose from should the Colombian be set to move on.

Defoe will join up at the camp in due course.