Gerrard is expecting tough Old Firm debut

STEVEN GERRARD insists his Rangers players won’t be lulled into expecting a ‘weak’ Celtic when the teams meet tomorrow at Parkhead. And he believes that the first head-to-head clash of the season remains the ‘acid test’ for an Ibrox side still being rebuilt from the wreckage of last year. Aware of the personnel issues raised by Brendan Rodgers himself in recent weeks, Gerrard — who completed a loan deal for Joe Worrall and received a work permit for Eros Grezda yesterday — is wary of believing the hype. ‘I think we wait to see the team sheet come in,’ said the former England star. ‘If there is no (Moussa) Dembele, there’s no Dembele. But we’ll prepare for a good Celtic team. ‘It would be very naive of us to underestimate the challenge and the personnel they’ve got. ‘They’ve got good players in all different kinds of TURN TO PAGE 117, COL 1

positions. It’s a huge game for them, just as it is for us, so we don’t expect a weak Celtic team or a Celtic team that’s going to lie down. ‘I think it’s a chance (for Rangers) to put a marker down. Having said that, if we go and win the game, I won’t be sitting here getting carried away thinking we’re the next champions. At the same time, if it doesn’t go well, I won’t think the world’s going to end. ‘Celtic are the double Treble champions, we respect that because we know how difficult that is to do. ‘They have a good manager and good players. So the challenge is there, it’s big. ‘But every challenge we have faced so far, we have done ourselves proud. I expect the players to go and do it again.’ Gerrard was pleased to land Nottingham Forest centre-half Worrall on loan, saying: ‘He was very close to going for big money in previous windows but it didn’t happen. We’re going to give him games here and he’ll be a big help to us. ‘And we’ve also just had a work-permit application accepted for Eros Grezda, as well. Eros is not ready (to play on Sunday). But Joe will be available if we get clearance.’ Gerrard also reiterated his determination to knock back all offers for Alfredo Morelos, despite Dynamo Kiev launching a deadline-day raid. ‘He’s not going anywhere,’ he said. ‘We’re speaking to his people about a new deal. I hear it’s close and I hear he’s happy here. ‘We’re happy with him. Apart from last night…’ Morelos and Jon Flanagan were both sent off as nineman Rangers made it through to the Europa League group stage on Thursday night, Gerrard saying: ‘I spoke to him last night — him and Jon. ‘I spoke to them straight away in the dressing room and they apologised to the boys. And we move on from the matter and prepare for this game.’ Gerrard also signalled that captain James Tavernier wouldn’t be leaving, despite West Brom making a fresh inquiry last night, the manager saying: ‘We want to offer James a new deal.’