Steven Gerrard only focusing on Ross County ahead of big week for Rangers

Published 21st Aug 2021

Steven Gerrard is focusing only on Sunday's clash with Ross County as a huge week looms ahead for Rangers.

The Light Blues take a slender 1-0 lead to Armenia for the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Alashkert next Thursday before the first Old Firm game of the season against Celtic at Ibrox the following Sunday.

Both games will help shape Rangers' season, but Gerrard is not for looking too far ahead.

The Gers boss said: "I am excited about picking a team for the weekend.

"I think it is a real interesting game for us going up to Dingwall. It is a game we are looking forward to, it is live on the television.

"That's my job is to try and pick the right team selection.

"I am not going to give any clues away, which way I am going, but I will pick the players in form who I think can do the job up there. It is as simple as that.''

The former Liverpool and England captain is happy with the form this season of attacker Ianis Hagi, son of former Romania player and manager Gheorghe Hagi,

Gerrard said: "He is in a fantastic place. He has had a full pre-season.

"He got that unfortunate kick against Livingston which set him back a bit obviously, but the kid just seems to be growing and evolving every year.

"He is the ultimate professional, he wants to learn and grow and get better.

"We are all well aware of the stable he has come from, he has a real iconic father who he wants to follow in the footsteps of.

"We don't want to put that pressure on him but there is a lot of traits in terms of his professionalism and how he goes about it, he loves the game and he just wants to get to the top.

"We can see the development in him every season, he seems to be getting stronger, he has adapted to the league a lot better and his performances have been really strong.

"I expect him to have a real good season if we can keep him healthy.''