Boss Gerrard confident he can deliver under pressure

Steven Gerrard is confident that his ability will outweigh his inexperience as he vowed to meet the challenge of being Rangers manager head on.

The 37-year-old dismissed claims that yesterday’s appointment, on a four-year Ibrox contract, was a risk.

And he welcomed the intense pressure that will come with his high-profile introduction to management, with Rangers desperate to end Celtic’s run of seven titles in a row.

The former Liverpool captain got a “special feeling” when speaking to Rangers and decided the time was right to quit his role as the Reds’ Under-18s coach, after a single season, and take a leap of faith.

Gerrard, who confirmed Gary McAllister as his assistant, said: “I have confidence in myself, in my ability. I have weighed the gamble up and the risk and I have confidence in myself that I can deliver.

“I love a challenge. There’s only one way to go and get experience, and that is to believe in yourself that you have the right characteristics to take the challenge head on.”

Gerrard will take charge on June 1 and will watch from a distance over the final three games of this season as Rangers battle for second spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership with Aberdeen and Hibernian.

Gerrard will relish the intensity of the rivalry, and the battle with his former Anfield boss, Brendan Rodgers.

“Pressure’s not a bad thing for me,” he said. “Bring it on.”