Celtic complained about the failure to discipline the Colombian for incidents in their recent defeat at Ibrox.

But Gerrard thinks the 22-year-old is often the victim of unpunished fouls.

"What I would like to say is a lot of things go unmissed or unnoticed on Alfredo Morelos," Gerrard said at Rangers' Tenerife training camp.

"He is a marked man because players don't like playing against him and players target him. He has to put up with an awful lot."

Morelos has scored 20 goals in 35 appearances this season but received 11 bookings and been shown three red cards.

"The kid is young, he is trying to learn and grow, he is trying to protect himself," Gerrard said. "He is only doing what any young striker would try to do when he is targeted.

"There is no doubt he is targeted, because he is a super talent. But he should see it as a compliment, because I certainly do."

Asked about Celtic's statement, Gerrard added: "I'm not really that interested, it's nothing we can control. That is Celtic's business.

"There were things in the Old Firm that were missed from our behalf, especially on Daniel Candeias. He was lucky not to come away with a serious injury.

"But we have moved on from the Old Firm. We're happy with the result and we've got nothing else to say. Our focus is on Kilmarnock."

Rangers return to action away to Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup on 18 January before a Premiership trip to Kilmarnock on 23 January.