STEVEN GERRARD insists Alfredo Morelos has a fight on his hands for a starting jersey while he remains at Rangers.
The Colombian appears to be in the final weeks of his Ibrox career, with Lille the most likely destination for him during the summer window.
Boss Gerrard moved to bolster his attack by signing Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht and former St Gallen striker Cedric Itten this week.
And he could have a decision to make over who starts the Premiership clash with St Mirren this afternoon as he targets further additions to his midfield ranks this term.
Gerrard said: “Whether Alfredo stays or goes, he has a fight to keep the shirt because competition for places is what we want in every position.
“That brings the best out in everyone. For any position in the team, we don't want any player to automatically think it's their shirt every week.
“The plan is to have two good players in every position and have everyone fighting for game time, 100 per cent.
“Everyone has no choice [but to get their head round that]. That competition is coming. That's what I want to do in every position.
“Once the window is shut, anyone who's in the door will have a fight on to keep the jersey. That's good and healthy. It's what the fans want and it's the way it should be at a club like Rangers.
“I've been open about actively wanting to add something in our engine room. We're trying to do that.
“Then we'll wait and see what happens. I know clubs, behind the scenes, are looking at our players and monitoring them. I expect bids to land for certain people.
“The majority of our business, standing here now, is done. But I'm actively looking to improve in one or two areas as well."
The task will soon turn to trimming the bloated first team squad at Ibrox and several players could find themselves heading for the exit door in the coming weeks.
The likes of Greg Docherty and Jordan Jones seemingly have no future with the Light Blues, while Hibernian are eager to strike a deal for midfielder Ross McCrorie.
Gerrard won't force anyone out of Rangers but does expect departures for some of his lesser-spotted fringe players.
He said: “I'm always open to be impressed by any of the players. It's never too late for anyone. The door's always open for someone to impress us. That's been proved before when people on the outside thought someone was done and dusted - and it would be a matter of time before they left.
“But then they go through a phase of form and earn an opportunity. We're open with all the players.
“I'll never shut the door on a player unless that player wants to shut the door himself.
“Yes [some fringe players have told me they want out]. They have and I respect that. It's not wise or healthy to mention any names.
“But I'm having conversations with players and trying to be open with them. I understand people are frustrated.
“The squad's big at the moment and there's not enough game time to go around for everyone.
“I do predict that people will go out. I don't want conflict with anyone – I'll be honest and give them the respect they deserve."
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