Lafferty gives us the experience we need, says Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard believes the experience of "Rangers nut'' Kyle Lafferty will be a vital addition to his squad as the striker completed his move from Hearts.
Lafferty has signed a two-year contract after moving for an undisclosed fee and Gerrard confirmed he would be involved in Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg against Russian side Ufa.
The Northern Ireland international spent four years at Ibrox, hitting 38 goals and lifting three league titles, before leaving after Rangers went into liquidation in 2012.
And Gerrard is keen to harness Lafferty's experience of winning trophies in a Rangers shirt.
"That's the key, that's vital to us,'' the Ibrox boss said. "He knows what this club is about. There is no risk in terms of him performing in front of the demands of this crowd and this club, and the expectation.
"I believe we're a young squad so he brings vital experience to us. He's a Rangers nut, he is desperate to come, and I think he ticks all the boxes that I'm looking for, what I want from a frontman. We know we are quite bare up there without him.''
The 30-year-old has played for Sion, Palermo and Norwich since leaving Ibrox and scored 19 goals last season for Hearts, where he enjoyed his time on and off the park after crediting the club with helping him fight a gambling problem.
And Gerrard is pleased to welcome a more mature but still edgy player.
"I was raw, I was inexperienced and I made similar mistakes, and I got over-excited,'' the former Liverpool captain said. "I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I love that in a footballer.
"Of course we want to channel it in the right direction but I think with age and maturity I calmed down and simmered a bit, but at the same time still tried to play on the edge, and I think that's where top performances and important performances come.''
Hearts owner Ann Budge told fans the club had little option but to sell Lafferty after the forward made his desire to sign for Rangers known.
Budge told the club's official website: "It is no secret that this has been a particularly difficult and drawn-out affair.
"While we have no desire to sell our players to other teams in the league, when a player has his mind fully set on moving, it is difficult to reach an alternative conclusion.
"The deal, when completed, will suit all parties and, importantly, will allow Craig to focus his efforts on finalising potential deals to add to his playing squad - having brought in 13 players already this summer - and preparing the team for their Ladbrokes Premiership match at Kilmarnock, where they will bid to go eight games unbeaten.
"It will also allow me to return my attentions to progressing the development of our new, multi-million pound main stand and improving the matchday experience for our supporters.'