Steven Gerrard urges Rangers improvement despite Dundee thrashing

Perfectionist Steven Gerrard has told Rangers he wants more despite seeing them hammer Dundee 4-0.

The Ibrox boss was looking for a response from his team after their Old Firm defeat earlier this month.

But he was still not pleased despite seeing Lassana Coulibaly, Ryan Kent, James Tavernier and Glenn Middleton put basement boys Dundee - who had Kenny Miller sent off on his Govan return late on - to the sword.

Alfredo Morelos had an early strike ruled out for offside despite appearing to be behind Daniel Candeias when the winger crossed, while the Colombian, Kyle Lafferty and Connor Goldson also passed up golden chances as Neil McCann's strugglers were opened up time after time.

But Gerrard has warned his players they need to sharpen up in the final third if they are to go to the next level.

“We got an important win, four goals and a clean sheet,'' said the Ibrox boss. “But it wasn't a great performance. It was good enough but we will play better than that.

“We have to play with more control. I want as many goals as we can get. I want to create a team that is ruthless and relentless and we weren't today.

“We deserve more goals. I don't just want to get a 3-0 lead and take the foot off the gas. If we want to be a successful team, we have to be at it all the time.

“I apologise if I'm not giving my players enough credit. I just us want to be consistent and strong. I just thought first half I was watching a game of basketball. That's not how I want it.''

As much as Gerrard was left pining for more quality from his side, he was happy with a number individual displays.

Coulibaly marked his return after a month out with the fourth-minute opener, Kent then capped his best display in a Gers shirt so far with an impressive second, while teenage substitute Middleton fired home his first goal for the club.

“Ryan was superb,'' said Gerrard. “That goal has been coming for quite a while. Hopefully it's the first of many.

“We've missed Lassana, his power, his energy, his tenacity. Hopefully we can use him again on Thursday if the fitness coach allows.

“And Glenn's in a really good place. He's knocking on the door for a start. He's still learning but there's still a lot more to come from him.''

But while Rangers can now look ahead to Thursday's Europa League trip to Villarreal with confidence restored, there is only fresh misery for McCann's team.

The Dens boss says he will appeal the straight red card shown to Miller for his lunge on Borna Barisic and also insists he will fight to stay on as Dens Park boss.

He said: “I don't mind pressure. I will take the heat.

“I don't chuck it, the players don't chuck it. We are playing with a lack of confidence just now but there is sparkles within games which gives me encouragement they are good enough to do it. They just need a wee bit more self-belief."

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