Hoops test will keep Gerrard’s feet on ground
Gordon Parks
STEVEN GERRARD has enjoyed four months of sure-footedness at Rangers but two slips prove he still has a way to go.
He might not appreciate the analogy after his infamous missed step against Chelsea cost Liverpool a shot at the title in 2014 but his dream start is about to get serious.
Two injury-time equalisers conceded away to Aberdeen and Motherwell have soiled an otherwise smooth passage through the early hurdles of his Ibrox journey.
It shows his new-look side are not the finished article. The next four days will provide the acid test as he takes his squad to Russia for a Europa League play-off against Ufa and Celtic Park for the first Old Firm match.
After arriving in May on a managerial apprenticeship, the Liverpool legend admitted it was all about the challenge.
“I am looking forward to the schooling,” he said at the time.
Six wins and five draws in early domestic tests and in Europe but the real challenge awaits against Celtic.
Having yet to suffer defeat, the challenge against old Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers will show just far he’s come and whether his 12-man recruitment drive will be capable of launching a credible fight for the title.
It’s been an impressive beginning and he’s delivering on his message.
“That’s the key, stability. We want to give these supporters an exciting team, a winning team and a team they can be proud of.”
Gerrard’s set about putting a spine into what had been a gutless group and addressed the defensive issues.
Allan McGregor’s arrival in goal installed penalty-box personality and an assurance which spreads throughout.
That’s been cemented by a central defence of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic which, while promising, won’t have passed the test until they emerge undamaged from Parkhead.
Borna Barisic has lifted the quality at left-back and has taken the place of the rightfooted – and at times wasteful – Jon Flanagan.
It’s been more than just shrewd recruitment, there’s a renewed sense of purpose. Bravery on the ball, desire, character and spirit has been apparent from day one within a squad clearly inspired by his presence.
Gerrard’s also lit a fire under Alferdo Morelos with the Colombian
Six wins and five draws but the real challenge awaits at Celtic OUR TOP WRITERS GIVE THEIR FEARLESS VERDICTS EVERY DAY IN RECORD SPORT
working for the cause and a masterstroke could be the addition of Kyle Lafferty.
But a naivety reared its head at Fir Park and Kris Commons was right to suggest Gerrard broke a golden rule by making a last-minute substitution, throwing on Lee Wallace as his side defended a set-piece only to concede.
Another glimpse at his wetness behind the ears was a rant after the draw at Aberdeen when he claimed there was an anti-Gers vendetta.
Much improved in shape, structure and spirit but Gerrard could discover an Old Firm derby can expose even the most confident of managerial beginners.
He’ll need to stay on his feet, that’s for sure.