Stevie G: I’ll go for quaIity

that type of game. We’re lucky to have Allan back at Rangers.

“We’re aware of his age and we need to enjoy him while he’s here because with all due respect he’s not going to be around for very long. We need to enjoy him because he’s a top goalie.”

Gerrard will need his keeper and the rest on form as his side kick off a hectic festive spell that will go a long way to shaping their season with 11 games in 35 days before the break.

The Gers boss was a big fan of a winter shutdown as a player but has mixed emotions as a manager, especially with the condensing of two months’ games into a five-week period. Gerrard said: “We have a block of fixtures now over the next four and a half weeks, it’s a really key stage of the season with a lot of important games coming up.

“I’m scared in case I contradict myself here because when I played in England, I used to be crying out for one, especially on the back of tournaments.

“It’s good for the players, especially in a country like Scotland, with the weather. If you’re in Europe, the likes of us and Celtic, we welcome it.

“We knew the consequences of a good run in Europe. The reason we made a lot of signings was to cope with the load.

“The players have had it explained we are going to have to manage the squad individually and collectively to make sure everyone is fresh and can perform at a high level.”

Gers embark on their end of year epic against Livingston today and Gerrard believes the pain of defeat in West Lothian will ensure there’s no repeat.

He added: “If I was a player involved that day I’d certainly have a bad taste in my mouth and really be looking forward to this fixture.” FROM BACK PAGE faces before the start of the season – then snapped up Gareth McAuley after the window shut.

Ibrox director of football Mark Allen has promised Gerrard funds to further strengthen despite the club posting losses of more than £14million ahead of next week’s agm.

The Light Blues gaffer admitted he is out to bolster his squad – but doesn’t need to make wholesale changes.

Gerrard said: “It’s quality rather than quantity, for sure. I saw Mark’s interview and I agree with what he says about a recruitment process continuing even when the window is shut.

“He’s looking for players to strengthen a position or area in the team where we may be light or short. We never stop looking to improve.

“In terms of January I don’t envisage many signings. It’s difficult to say if it will be one or two, we’ll have to wait and see, but we are looking.

“If that player becomes available in January then I will ask the board to support me on it.”

Gerrrard is next week set for talks with chairman Dave King as he jets into Glasgow for the agm.

But he’s already stated his main aim is to keep hold of top talents such as Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier.

Gerrard said: “I have already done that. None of our players are available in January but they all have a price.

“I always sit down with him (King) whether there is an agm or not. Every time he is over we have a dinner together.

“We’ll do that again in the next couple of days, then go into the agm together and face whatever is thrown at us.”

Gerrard hopes peace can break out in the Old Firm ticket war after Celtic threatened to refuse their reduced away allocation for the December 29 clash at Ibrox amid safety fears.

He added: “There will still be an incredible atmosphere at Ibrox. That’s Celtic’s decision. I hope they don’t because big matches and Old Firms are about both sets of fans and the banter.”