Inexperience not a problem for Gerrard, says Dick Advocaat
The former Gers boss has given Gerrard a vote of confidence
Former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat has backed Steven Gerrard to be an instant his as he prepared to start work at Ibrox
The former Liverpool and England skipper officially steps into the hotseat on Friday.
He isn't due to meet his players until they report for pre-season training on June 15 but there is plenty to be done in the meantime.
Turning Gers' fortunes around will not be an easy task for the first-time boss but Advocaat is certain the 38-year-old is up to the task.
The former Holland manager - who is finally set to retire from the dugout after racking up 21 jobs over 31 years - told Press Association Sport: "He will walk straight into that dressing room and command respect.
"I spoke recently with Dirk Kuyt who obviously played with him for a long time at Liverpool. He said in the dressing room, he was the man. He was involved in everything.
"He was centre of all the talking, asking what will we do next, how can we change? He was a real pro.
"I was really impressed by the appointment. It's a great name. Steven was a great football player, a legend in Liverpool.
"Now he's got the opportunity to be the manager of a big club, so it's very positive.
"I don't worry about his experience. He has so much of it as a player and has always had great managers around him at Liverpool and the national team, so I don't think that will be a problem, not at all.
"I can only see the positives for Steven and for the players at the club.''
Gerrard will find a lengthy to-do list waiting for him when he settles into the manager's office at Gers' Auchenhowie training base.
His squad depart for a 10-day training camp near Malaga in Spain on June 17 but just who will be making that trip remains to be seen.
As many as a dozen players could find themselves surplus to requirements and will need to be moved on if Gerrard is to put his own stamp on the squad.
So far the only new deals the club have signed off are for goalkeeper Allan McGregor and midfielder Scott Arfield.
Brighton defender Connor Goldson remains high on Gerrard's list of targets but there has been no fresh progress in talks with the Seagulls.
Gerrard's aim will be to stop his former boss Brendan Rodgers extend Celtic's domestic dominance to an eighth consecutive title, and Advocaat expects Rangers to put up a better fight this year.
The Dutchman had a major rebuilding job when he took over back in 1998 but reckons Gerrard's big-name appeal may mean only minor surgery is required this time round.
Advocaat - who won a treble in his first season in charge - said: Having Gerrard as manager, having that name involved, will definitely help bring players to Rangers, especially English players.
"The difference when I arrived was that I had to change the whole team almost.
"But Rangers didn't do that bad last season. OK they finished third but they were not so many points behind Celtic. With some good players, experienced players, they can close the gap in my opinion.
"I'm certain that Gerrard will bring the competition back between Celtic and Rangers.'