GERS ALWAYS PRESSURE ON

STEVEN DAVIS insists Rangers are under no extra pre-season pressure as they plot to stop their greatest rivals making history.

Pundits and former players have ramped up the importance of this term as Steven Gerrard’s side face the prospect of Celtic sealing an unprecedented 10 titles in a row.

Ex-celtic star Paul Lambert reckons the Ibrox boss and his players face horrendous pressure, while Chris Sutton says Gerrard (right) must stop coming up with excuses and deliver a trophy.

But as he prepared for the Light Blues’ first pre-season game against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium tonight, Davis said: “As a more experienced player it’s part of your job to help guide the younger players. But there is a real desire to have success here. We have to learn from the mistakes of last season.

“Our main focus is to be ready for that first league game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. That’s going to be difficult but we’re looking forward to it. With Celtic going for 10, does it ramp up the pressure? There’s always pressure playing for Rangers, no matter what scenario you’re in.

“The fans will be desperate for us to win it but they were desperate last season too. It comes with the territory. We all know the importance of this season for the club, for the history of the club, everything that goes with it.”

Northern Ireland skipper Davis, 35, finished last year on top form, culminating in one of his best performances for the club in a 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead.

But like so many team-mates, his form dipped after the winter break as Gerrard’s title challenge fell apart.

He will have a fight to hold down a regular midfield spot up against Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo and new boy Ianis Hagi.

But Davis says he’s fit and gearing himself up for a slog of a season – kicking off on August 1.

He said: “I’m ready for a hectic schedule. I want to be involved in the maximum number of games. If we’re playing all of those fixtures it means the team are doing something right.”

lot of potential to improve even further. Scoring that number of goals and the performances he’s put in especially in Euro games there is always going to be clubs looking at him. But, as a squad, we want him here. “He has a real desire to score goals, a hunger to score and he’s improving all the time. “Alfredo’s at a good age and at a club where he can get better. Of course, if you lose that number of goals from the team, it would be difficult to replace so we want him here.” Morelos, 24, scored 29 times last season and was part of the Rangers squad that flew out to France yesterday to compete alongside Celtic, Nice and hosts Lyon for the Veolia Trophy.

UP FOR A LONG SLOG Ibrox veteran Steven Davis