How do you solve a problem like (no) Morelos? Answer: with great difficulty. That isn’t to say there’s not a solution however. The trick is – being bold enough to find it, something that Gio must do…and quickly.

Most of us were blissfully optimistic about our chances ahead of the Old Firm game, however what that pitiful 90 minutes has taught us more than anything, is that changes are needed if we’re to salvage anything from the season without our talisman for the foreseeable. What changes though? Some short, sharp suggestions are outlined below, we’ll leave it up to you, the readers to interpret them and see which ones you think might be worth exploring. In no particular order…

1. More game time and involvement for Alex Lowry.
2. Borna Barisic recalled to LB.
3. Calvin Bassey moved from LB to CB.
4. A rest for Joe Aribo.
5. The reinstatement of Filip Helander.
6. A rest for Ryan Jack.
7. A recall to the starting lineup for Glen Kamara.
8. More minutes for Steven Davis
9. A starting place for Fashion Sakala.
10. A shake up between the sticks.
11. Amad Diallo given another chance to prove himself.
12. James Sands to be more involved in the first team.
13. Juan Alegria to be added to the first team squad as a direct replacement for Morelos.
14. An opportunity for Scott Wright to make a contribution.
15. Switching to a 4-4-2 that involves Sakala and Roofe up front.
16. Playing with 3 centre halves and 2 attacking wing backs.
17. A final chance for Cerdic Itten to salvage his Rangers career.
18. Play Arfield in the number 10 position.
19. Drop Connor Goldson.
20. Send Aaron Ramsey back to Juventus.
21. Recall Niko Katic
22. Completely forget about the League, literally playing the B team and focusing on Europa League and Scottish Cup.

Some food for thought at very least and while some of these proposals seem utterly ridiculous, 17 and 20 for example, quite frankly – the fact that we’re now 6 points behind in the league having been 6 in front post winter shutdown is also ridiculous and so ALL options should at least be considered.

It is tempting to think about not making too many changes for Thursday against Braga as we’ve been sensational in Europe, however that’s always been with Alfie at the forefront and the man seems to be irreplaceable. We therefore need to do some different things in his absence in order to get different results.

A personal idea for a solution is as follows:

Braga away: Largely the same personnel as our “Europe team” with Kamara at 10, Sakala up top, Barisic in for Bassey at LB, Roofe and Ramsey dropping to the bench but being called upon to make an impact second half if required, alongside Arfield, Lowry and Diallo. Using Sands and Davis to help shut up shop if required, with a similar remit for the return leg at Ibrox a week later.

St Mirren away: We’ve enough players desperate for game time to almost completely change the 11 for this one and still get the job done – McLaughlin, Tavernier, Helander, Sands, Bassey, Davis, Kamara, Ramsey, Arfield, Lowry, Roofe. The likes of Wright, Diallo and Alegria to be given an opportunity if appropriate also.

We pick up the 3 points and give everyone a chance to claim a jersey for the Hampden semi-final. Hopefully not to be our last semi-final of the season as we’ve done the job against Braga and are 1 tie away from a fairytale final in Seville. By which point, Morelos might just be nearing a return in time for the title run in (let’s at least turn up at Parkhead and give that mob some work to do) and of course a starring role on the continent as we look to go one step further than that magical season of 2008. Possibly by virtue of having a squad that no longer has 11 or 12 regular individuals, but 17 or 18 rotated teammates who are fresh in both body and mind, who know that a dip in form or a costly error can mean their non-involvement in semi-finals, finals and Old Firms.

In summary – we’re not quite pressing the big blue panic button, but to sit back and change nothing is simply not an option. Us supporters can debate and speculate as to what changes we’d like all we want, however it’s the manager who’s paid to make the decisions and we’ll back him (and the team) regardless. As long as there’s evidence that he’s trying something and keeping as many options open as possible, that’s all we can ask for – that’s right Gio – we’re feeling it, we’re feeling a change!