Gerrard keeps run going

GIVEN that Rangers do not lose under Steven Gerrard, there is a fair chance this will not be their last Thursday night under the lights at Ibrox this season.

And what an achievement Europa League qualification would be for the rookie boss, who is now unbeaten in 10 matches, seven of which have come in this competition. Just three of the 86 teams who entered firstround qualifying during the week of the World Cup semifinals are still involved.

So just as Gerrard the player was the man for the big European nights, his side are also revelling in their continental adventure, replicating the energy and desire which epitomised their manager. Not that they should celebrate passage just yet, not when the lead is so slender and a 2,300-mile trip deep into Russia still has to be negotiated.

‘I’m going to need a performance full of heroes and warriors next week,’ said Gerrard. ‘We are capable, I’m proud of them so far. And I’m not one for going there and coming away with regrets.’

Rangers have every reason to be confident. On a typically raucous night in Govan, victory was secured thanks to defender Connor Goldson’s close-range strike on 41 minutes. The early success of Gerrard’s reign, however, has been built from the back and this was a sixth clean sheet. Gerrard the coach has been pragmatic and his team pugnacious in Europe thus far, twice protecting first-leg leads with goalless draws on the road.

But the next 10 days will be a stern test of his managerial credentials, for when Rangers return from Russia next Friday they have less than 48 hours to prepare for an Old Firm derby.

If Gerrard remains unbeaten after that game there will be no more talk of this ‘rookie boss’, a tag of which the former England captain continues to make mockery.