Party’s over for Gerrard as he bids to slay Slavia
STEVEN GERRARD insists his Rangers players have their heads back in the game following the weekend title celebrations. The Ibrox squad and coaching staff held a jubilant dressingroom party on Saturday evening after a 3-0 victory over St Mirren pushed them to the brink of glory.
That was then followed by more festivities at the club’s training ground on Sunday afternoon, when a first championship in a decade was confirmed by Celtic’s failure to win at Tannadice. Tonight’s Europa League
last-16 first leg against Slavia Prague represents a testing return to action for a group that has surfed an emotional high. Gerrard is not concerned, however, and believes Rangers will be ready to meet the challenge in the Czech capital. ‘Obviously, the size of the achievement and the emotions that came with that, I think the players deserved to celebrate,’ he reflected. ‘We have worked ever so hard during this journey and sacrificed a lot. They have put a tremendous amount of effort in to get it over the line. ‘We also, as a group, have had some criticism along the way and have been down at times as well. So when you finally get it over the line, the feeling is difficult to describe. ‘But now we are back in the routine. I spoke to the players yesterday at length and we had a session where we got the legs moving again. ‘They have had the chance to get some rest and it is actually a good thing that we are going away now. ‘We can manage all the food and the hydration levels and get them ready to fire once the kick-off comes. It has just been an incredible few days.’ Gerrard will have Kemar Roofe available after recovering from a calf injury. However, Ryan Jack will not be risked in Prague and there is still no clear timescale for James Tavernier’s return. ‘Kemar will be back in the group and will travel with us over to the Czech Republic,’ said Gerrard. ‘Jacko could be ready if I wanted him to be. But I’ve decided to just hold back on him. ‘He’ll be available for the second leg but I don’t think it’s right to push Ryan. It’s a difficult decision but I think it’s the right one in the big picture. Obviously, James is going to be a little bit slower.’