Gerrard was one of the best, says Graeme Dorrans

The Rangers midfielder played against his new boss in England

Published 7th May 2018
Last updated 7th May 2018

Graham Dorrans says Steven Gerrard was one of the best players he ever played against.

The Rangers midfielder admits he is now desperate to learn as much as he can from his new manager.

Former West Brom and Norwich playmaker Dorrans enjoyed a number of run-ins with former Liverpool skipper Gerrard when he was one of the Premier League's biggest stars.

But the pair are now due to link-up as player and boss when Gerrard officially takes charge of the Light Blues on June 1.

Dorrans may have turned 31 on Saturday but he says he is not too old to learn from the Champions League winner.

He said: "I played against Steven a few times and he was certainly one of the best players I ever came up against.

"When a name like that comes into the football club it gives the whole place a lift.

"Steven Gerrard is a massive figure in the game and the boys are excited and looking forward to working with him.

"When a new manager comes into the football club everyone is starting afresh. That's normal - that's what happens in football.

"It's never nice when a manager has to leave but the new manager has come in now and we're all starting afresh again.

"He has his own ideas and all the boys are excited for him to come in and learn from him. Learning from someone of his stature will be great.''

Rangers have two games left to ensure European football will be on the agenda for their new boss next term.

They travel to Aberdeen on Tuesday before finishing the campaign away to Hibernian and know two wins will be required to guarantee they finish as runners-up to Celtic.

Fighting it out for second spot with the Dons and Neil Lennon's Leith outfit is not exactly what Dorrans signed up for when he returned to Scotland last summer.

But ahead of Tuesday's trip to Pittodrie, the midfielder stressed it is vital Rangers do not allow their rivals to get the upper hand and risk finishing fourth, which could see them miss out on the Europa League should Motherwell lift the William Hill Scottish Cup.

"It's great the new manager has been announced but at the minute, we've got a job to concentrate on,'' he said. "We've got two massive games left we need to win to make sure we get into the Europa League.

"Listen, second place for this club isn't really good enough.

"But the situation we're in at the minute means it's important we try and get it. It's important we try to get into Europe and give ourselves a platform for next season.

"We need to give ourselves that bit of momentum to take into the next season.

"Aberdeen have got good players and are a good side - but so are we.

"Obviously events over the last week or so have been difficult but on Saturday we stuck in and got the win against Kilmarnock.

"Hopefully that will give us a bit of confidence going up to Pittodrie.'