Stand by Stevie even if he can’t stop Hoops marching to 10IAR

RANGERS GREAT EXPECTATIONS

JOHN BARNES insists Rangers should stick by Steven Gerrard – even if Celtic win 10 in a row. The former Parkhead boss believes Gerrard can’t yet be expected to overcome the Premiership champions over a full league season. The pressure is firmly on Gerrard to finally deliver following two trophyless campaigns in Scottish football. But Barnes, 56, has gauged enough progress under the Liverpool legend to justify hanging fire should he fail to stop Celtic making history. Asked if he’d keep faith in Gerrard, Barnes said: “Yes, because of the progress he’s making – and they’re getting closer to Celtic. “If he doesn’t win the league next year, should he lose his job? That’s not the case at all because Rangers shouldn’t win the league next year. Celtic are still stronger than them. “So as long as he keeps making the progress as he has at getting closer to Celtic, I’d urge everybody to give him support – the fans, the board. “Celtic are still stronger, so it’s beyond realistic to expect Gerrard to beat them. Give it time.” Barnes knows the overflowing trophy cabinet at Celtic Park is difficult for Rangers fans to stomach and that it’s easier to pull the plug than swallow your pride. But he’s convinced the gap is narrowing. When Rangers returned to the top flight in 2016,

BY LIAM BRYCE

Barnes felt the rivals’ respective starting positions meant the gulf was only ever likely to shorten.

But he reckons it’s not quite been cut enough for Gerrard to stop Neil Lennon getting his hands on Celtic’s 10th consecutive league crown come the end of next term.

Barnes said: “Yes, for sure the gap has closed but it was always going to be that way. Four years ago, when Rangers came back up, they didn’t have the financial opportunities to get the best players on board to properly compete with Celtic.

“But it’s good for Scottish football that at least it’s not just all about one team. You need a strong Celtic-Rangers confrontation and Rangers are now drawing closer every year.

“I still think Celtic will win this next year but Rangers will get closer.”

Having lasted less than one season in charge at Celtic, Barnes is well aware of the miniscule margin for error.

He felt the fury of the Parkhead faithful in 2000 and was dumped after infamous defeats to Inverness Caley Thistle and Hearts.

But he doesn’t foresee a similarly grisly ending on Gerrard’s horizon.

He added: “If Gerrard continues to do what he’s doing in terms of the improvement they’ve made and continue to beat Celtic from time to time, the fans should be pleased.”