Gerrard focused on shutting out ‘noise’

Aberdeen v Rangers

Today, 12.30pm

RANGERS will run out to a soundtrack of squawking seagulls but Steven Gerrard knows the volume is about to be cranked to 10.

The most eagerly-anticipated Scottish football season in a generation gets underway at Pittodrie at lunchtime.

Usually, the crowd inside the Dons’ ground would crackle and fizz but Covid-19 and closed- doors fixtures will make the occasion more surreal than snarling.

But even amid the echoing bird song and yells from players, Gerrard (inset) is still aware of the white noise surrounding the campaign to come.

Rangers have proved they can go toe-to-toe with Celtic on one-off occasions these last two seasons but fell woefully short of going course and distance.

Gerrard is refusing to pile pressure on his players by setting their title goals but he knows they have to cope with the pressure and expectation that will unfold in the coming weeks and months.

He said: “We have to be strong in terms of attitude and mentality over the course of a season.

“For me, it’s important to try to control the noise. We have to accept there will be a lot of noise because we understand the importance of the season.

“But it’s the next challenge which is vital, that’s Aberdeen and that’s what we’re focusing on right now. “The important thing for us is to hit the ground running and try to take our preseason form into the first game.

“Aberdeen away has always been a tough challenge but you can only go on successful runs if you win the next game. The plan is to start strong, take three points and put a statement out there with our performance.

“It will certainly be different without any fans at the ground. “We’ve had some rehearsals in pre-season to get used to that and it will have pros and cons as far as we’re concerned.

“The cons are we won’t have the Rangers following up there who travel in their numbers and really get behind their team.

“It’s the same for both teams and we have to accept it.

“The advantage will be it’s quite an intimidating atmosphere up there. Their fans get behind the team and can change the momentum of a game within it. But it’s an exciting fixture and one we’re all looking forward to.”