Ex-boss backs Gerrard to lead by example

STUART McCALL has backed boss Steven Gerrard to lead by example and inspire Rangers in his first season in the dugout.

The Liverpool legend has made an impressive start to life as a manager as he has overhauled the Ibrox squad and raised the bar on and off the park so far this term.

Victory over Dundee on Saturday got Rangers back on track after the 1-0 Old Firm defeat to Celtic before the international break.

Now Gerrard will take his side to Spain this week as the Light Blues begin their Europa League group stage campaign against Villarreal.

And former Gers boss McCall has no doubt that Gerrard can get more out of the his team as he strives for success at Ibrox.

McCall told SportTimes: “Naturally after the start they have had there is a lot of optimism, and rightly so.

“I am not saying it now because of what he has done, but when the appointment was mooted I was very pleased because I know what type of character Steven is.

“He is a leader, has a winning mentality, is used to pressure.

“The big disappointment was the performance against Celtic and it wasn’t what people were hoping for.

“But that is a one-off game and Celtic are a very strong side.

“But, on a positive, there is an upbeat vibe about it, he is demanding standards, and he is getting there.

“The demands are to win every game so the test comes when you have a disappointing performance. It is the way that they react to that in the following games.”