What Steven Gerrard is really thinking about Rangers title chances as insider fires warning to Hearts and Celtic

Former Gers striker Kyle Lafferty is convinced Gerrard can hit the ground running if and when his Ibrox return is confirmed

Most Rangers fans had already given up on a title fight.

Under beleaguered ex-boss Russell Martin, any forlorn hope of challenging Celtic had long disappeared.

At this stage, the battle for Gers is surely just trying to finish in the top two ahead of high-flying Hearts?

By Kyle Lafferty reckons all is not lost just yet. Not if Steven Gerrard is the new Ibrox gaffer.

Right now, his old club is miles off the pace.

Martin was relieved of his duties with Rangers nine points adrift of their Old Firm rivals and 11 behind the Jambos.

But if Gerrard takes over, securing a stunning return to the club, Lafferty says the others better watch out.

Incredibly, he believes that his former manager won’t just want to climb the table - he’ll want to get his hands on the trophy.

That might seem like a tall order in his first season back.

But Lafferty is convinced that - because of Gerrard’s mentality - if he gets the job, his sole aim will be to compete for the Premiership immediately.

The Rangers hierarchy want the Liverpool icon to be Martin’s successor.

Lafferty had a year under Gerrard at Ibrox in 2018 and is excited at the prospect of a second stint in charge.

He’s desperate for him to be in post ahead of Gers’ next league game against Dundee United a week on Saturday.

The 38-year-old says Hearts are catchable and Celtic aren’t at their best - opening up the possibility of a sensational title tilt from Ibrox with Gerrard at the helm.

Lafferty told Record Sport: “If Steven comes in, I wouldn’t rule out him getting the team to hit the ground running.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets them up there challenging again and fighting for the title this season.

“Seriously, I wouldn’t be shocked if he won it. He’ll come in expecting to win it. He won’t settle for second place.

“He won’t be thinking, let’s close the gap on Celtic and Hearts and maybe finish a few points off.

“I know him and I’ve played under him. He’ll literally come in and think he can win the league this season.

“That’s the type of person he is. He’s full of confidence and belief in his own ability. And that’s what the fans want.

“No manager is going to come in and say they can’t win the title. But making that change now will be a massive lift for everyone at Rangers on and off the pitch.

“Especially knowing that he’s coming to win the title in his first season. Not to get closer to Celtic or Hearts, but to go and win it.

“If Steven comes in he’ll also have a massive League Cup semi-final to play and a chance to get a trophy in the bag early.

“Celtic have been a lot better in the past than they are now. They’re not at their best at the minute and there are issues with Brendan Rodgers and the board.

“They’re having a tough time of it - but unfortunately it’s been Rangers in the limelight because of results and everything happening with Russell.

“I really hope it gets done with Steven in the next few days and we can all get excited.”

When Gerrard left Ibrox for Aston Villa in 2021, he had Rangers unbeaten in seven games against Celtic. Lafferty believes he had restored a set of standards at the club which hadn’t been seen since legendary boss Walter Smith was in charge.

That’s why, in their current predicament, he’s adamant it’s the right move from Gers’ new American owners to try and snare the Scouser.

Lafferty said: “Bar Fergie (Barry Ferguson) last season, it feels like Steven has been the only Rangers manager capable of getting results against Celtic since Walter was there.

“That’s a long time ago. Not many managers go to Parkhead and beat them in their backyard but he did it.

“So it would be a great appointment for the club. He delivered 55 and he takes no nonsense from players.

“If you’re not pulling your weight, you’ll find yourself out of the team.

“He’s not afraid to make big calls and if he comes in, it will be a fresh slate for everyone. Some people will get a second chance.

“With any new manager, there will be a buzz. From what I’ve heard, he wants to come back and the club wants him here.

“The fans will also get right behind it. And if he’s in for the Dundee United game, a win could really kick start Rangers’ season.

“Ibrox would literally be bouncing. You’ll probably see players who haven’t done well in recent months, get a real lift.

“Just because you’re playing for Steven Gerrard.”

Despite not setting the heather on fire at Villa or Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, Lafferty claims Gerrard will be a better boss now than he was the first time around at Ibrox.

He sees a similar desire to succeed that he witnessed seven years ago. And he’s certain that the Rangers job is perfect for Gerrard’s return to management.

Lafferty said: “It’s not just about what Steven did with the team on the pitch at Rangers. He also did a lot of stuff off it as well, which people probably didn’t see from the outside.

“He brought a bit of class back that was at Rangers when Walter was there. That was starting to drift away before he came in and he brought standards back, which was needed at the time.

“It looks to me like he’s got the same kind of hunger he had when he arrived in 2018. He’s desperate to get a job again where he’s expected to win every game.

“That’s what Steven thrives on. I’m not sure what happened in Saudi but losing two or three over there is fine - that can’t happen here.

“That’s probably what he’s missed, the need to win every week. If you don’t win a trophy here, you’re a failure. That’s what he lives off.

“I think you’ll see a more experienced Gerrard now as a coach.

“He looks ready for this type of job again.”

**Kyle Lafferty will play for a Possil Select against Dukla Pumpherson in a charity match on Sunday at Keppoch Park alongside Scottish football legends. Kick-off is 1pm with all proceeds going to the family of Chelsea Halliday who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.**

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