Steven Gerrard hit out at Alfredo Morelos and warned his Sevco stars that they will have to improve a hell of a lot to progress in the Europa League.
A 0-0 draw away to Macedonian minnows Shkupi laid bare the problems facing the former Liverpool youth coach with his side passing up a handful of chances.
Morelos was the main sinner with his performance looking like a compilation of the chances that the striker missed against Celtic last season.
Much of Sevco’s business plan is based around an £11m valuation of the Colombian striker but 180 minutes into his managerial career Gerrard isn’t being fooled by mystery bids from China.
“I’m concerned about the lack of quality in the final third,” he told the club TV station after the 0-0 draw with Shkupi.
“Defensively we were really good. I set the players a challenge before the game – a clean sheet and we are through. I think there is still a little bit of a mental block going on, especially with what happened 12 months ago.
“We had chances to go and score ourselves down the other end, and the scoreline and the feeling might feel a little bit better. At the moment, I am a bit mixed right now. I am pleased with the one side of the game, but there is certainly a hell of a lot of work to do on the other.
“We move on, we give ourselves a chance in the next phase but one thing for sure is that we’ll have to improve.”
Morelos is the only striker left at Ibrox as they await international clearance to complete the signing of Umar Sadiq on a season long loan from Roma.
In the second qualifying round Sevco are likely to face Croatian side Osijek who beat PSV Eindhoven home and away last season before losing out in the play-off round to Austria Wien on penalties.
Andy Halliday appeared as a stoppage time substitute against Shkupi.