DANIEL CANDEIAS is confident Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe will click at the head of the Rangers attack after playing alongside each other for the first time on Sunday.

Boss Steven Gerrard fielded a strong starting line-up for their 3-2 friendly win over HJK Helsinki at Ibrox as January recruit Defoe partnered Morelos through the middle in the first half.

There was also a spot for midfielder Steven Davis as he pulled on the Light Blue jersey once again after clinching a loan switch from Southampton.

Goals from Scott Arfield, Nikola Katic and Candeias gave Rangers the victory as they warmed up for their Premiership clash with Kilmarnock.

And the Portuguese is confident there is plenty more to come from Gerrard’s side as Defoe and Morelos get used to each other up front.

Candeias said: “Every player gave their all on the pitch. It was the first game for both Defoe and Davis and they will benefit from playing more games. Those two additions give us a strong team.

“All teams have different tactical approaches. I can play in midfield if needed or further forward. For me, the important thing is that the team wins.

“Of course, with both Morelos and Defoe we can have more people in the box to score from balls into that area. It’s important for the team. Morelos and Defoe are both great players and that makes the team strong.

“Last week was about hard work and I think everyone will improve with more games.

“Morelos can play either alone or with another striker. He can improve more with another player because it will help Alfredo up front.

“But the most important thing is that the team wins and we have a good start to the next stage of the season on Wednesday.

“I played with Wagner Love in Turkey and he is a great striker. But for me, I think Morelos is the best striker.

“He can still improve because he is only 22 years old. For Alfredo, there is a path to become even better.”