Gio van Bronckhorst declares Rangers have been reignited and admits he knew Alfredo Morelos would give them spark

Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists he knew Alfredo Morelos would lift Rangers to a new level as the Colombian bagged a brace on his return to the side.

The Light Blues striker was absent for three games due to being on international duty and was badly missed in the Old Firm derby defeat at Parkhead in midweek.

But Morelos roared back on his return from South America - where he failed to even make the squad for the World Cup qualifiers - with a double in the 5-0 thrashing of Hearts at Ibrox.

Scott Arfield and substitutes Glen Kamara and Fashion Sakala were also on the scoresheet as Aaron Ramsey came on for his debut.

Van Bronckhorst was delighted with he reaction his side showed after the loss to the Hoops as they remain a point behind their rivals.

And the Dutchman told Sky Sports: “We know Alfredo’s qualities. We know what he can bring to the team, a lot of threat up front and especially with his movement.

“We knew he was going to give us that bit of extra up front to be dangerous and he showed that again.”

Gers now face Hibs in midweek as the title race hots up and Van Bronckhorst said: “The key is to keep performing game in, game out.

“That is the key to win the games we play and especially the way we want to play.

“If we keep this energy and determination in every game then we’re going to have a good chance but we need to make sure we keep winning game after game.

“We’re happy with the performance now and of course the three points because it’s vital at the moment.

“It’s always important to get the first goal and of course you want the second to relieve the pressure a little bit.

“In the beginning of the second half we gave some chances away but we stuck in and made sure we overcame them and scored some good