STEP UP FOR HOOPS FIGHT
in Govan with their 2-1 victory over Hibs.
Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent slammed stunners before Kevin Nisbet made it a nervy finale.
Gerrard – who revealed he won’t gamble with the fitness of James Tavernier against Celts – was happy with the result but admitted the Hoops could make his men pay if they slack off on Saturday.
He said: “The boys deserve credit but going into next week, we’ll have to play better and manage the game better than the final stages of the first and second halves.
“We’ve had some real good training time of late and both teams have the full week. I’ll give them a day off but there will be no excuses.
“We’ll get them back and get to work on a gameplan to be ready.
“It’s a fantastic game, a mouth-watering tie we are looking forward to. I was really pleased with some aspects of our play today but it’s important we maintain standards because you’ll get more complications against better teams.”
Record Sport understands a decision on the Scottish Cup clash’s kickoff time will be discussed today with fears of a clash with the royal funeral.
Gerrard wants clarity but will be ready whatever the time and said: “I’ve got no concerns but I’d like to know when it is.
“It will be a tough tie. We’re pleased it’s at home and we want to try to build on our strong home record. We’re certainly looking forward to it but it’d be nice to know when it’ll be.”
Gerrard revealed Leon Balogun is out of the tie with a calf problem and Gers remain unclear on Ryan Jack.
But the Ibrox boss won’t risk Tavernier despite the skipper returning to training this week after six weeks out.
He said: “James has again had a good couple of days since we last spoke and he’s pushing hard to be involved.
“We’ll only do that if he is ready, we won’t force that. He’s been out too long for us to force that.
“He’ll have to show this week that there’s more progression and get him out amongst the team at some point if he’s to earn a place in the squad.
“Leon felt a calf/Achilles area yesterday morning. He left the training session but until we get the scan result we won’t be able to know the outcome of that.
“But he’s limping about today which tells you he has very little chance of making next weekend.”
Gerrard was pleased to come through another weekend unscathed after a battling win – and he played down another touchline flare up.
He said: “I don’t think there’s anything really to be made of it. Hibs have a bench that is desperate to win, we’ve got a team that is desperate to win.
“It’s not the first time we’ve exchanged words with Jack Ross’ team.
“That was maybe from our side rather than their side so we’ll hold our hands up there.
“But look, you’ve got competitive guys who want to win matches. We’re in real privileged and important positions and we want our teams to win so it was something and nothing really.
“Hibs are a good team, well set up and well drilled, you need to play really well to get a result.”