Rangers star man Jermain Defoe was worried he'd have to SPLIT the match ball after Alfredo Morelos came off the bench to score with his first chance.

Hat-trick hero Defoe bagged the perfect trio with his left foot, right foot and head before he was taken off by manager Steven Gerrard.

Teammate and fellow on-form hit man Morelos, though, wasn't to be outdone and instantly scored to make it 4-1 at Ibrox and wrap things up.

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But Defoe was convinced the Colombian would bag a hat-trick of his own - forcing the ex-Spurs striker to share the match ball at the final whistle.

Speaking to Rangers TV after the game, Defoe said: "I thought he was going to get three.

"When he scored the first I said 'aw, he's gonna get a hat-trick'.

"I'd have to split the ball!

"He's going to score goals. He's done that, he scored 30 goals last year.

"He's still young and has so much potential. He's a top player."

Morelos could only manage a brace in the end, as the Light Blues battered Hibs 6-1 in their first home league game of the season.