Gerrard: I called Kenny ‘Sir’ before he was a knight

Steven Gerrard was calling Kenny Dalglish ‘Sir’ long before the Scot was given a knighthood.

King Kenny was a mentor turned friend for Stevie G at Liverpool.

A senior figure he could rely on for help and reassurance.

But the new Rangers boss fears Old Firm loyalties could mean that Celtic legend Dalglish will BLANK his future requests for advice.

Speaking from Rangers’ summer training camp in Spain, Gerrard revealed Dalglish remains his hero – and he’s hopeful their close relationship can continue.

He said: “Kenny is my hero. If you are a young boy growing up in Liverpool he is the man.

“I called him Sir even before he got his knighthood.

“But I am lucky enough to be able to call Kenny my friend.

“I can call him up any time but I know he is a Celtic man so he will probably let the phone ring out now! Seriously, though, ou r relationship is strong and I am grateful for the many bits of advice he has given me over the years.”

Dalglish, 67, won nine major honours in eight years at Parkhead before moving to Liverpool in a then British transfer record fee. He became one of the Anfield club’s greatest ever players in an era when the Reds dominated the English and European game. As Liverpool manager, Dalglish relied heavily on Gerrard as a key player during his second spell in the Anfield hotseat, culminating in a Carling Cup win in February 2012. And Ger rard took advice from Dalglish and other former gaffers as he prepared to set out on his own managerial journey. He says his early experience at Rangers has convinced him he’s made the right decision.

“This is what I’ve craved for since I came out of a playing kit,” admitted Gerrard as he planned his players’ activities in Spain.

“I first had thoughts about becoming a manager when I was around 32-33 when I was still playing. I had been speaking to my f o r mer managers,