The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gerrard refuses to talk up Gers’ title chances
Steven Gerrard is refusing to heap more expectation on his new-look Rangers side by talking up their Ladbrokes Premiership chances – because they are under enough pressure already.
The Ibrox side kick off their league campaign away to Aberdeen tomorrow.
The appointment of former Liverpool and England skipper Gerrard and his side’s subsequent unbeaten start to their Europa League qualifying campaign has got the Light Blues faithful dreaming of a long-awaited title tilt.
When Gers made their top-flight return under Mark Warburton back in 2016, it was accompanied by bold – and ultimately foolhardy – declarations that the 54-time Scottish champions were “Going for 55”.
But ahead of this new season, Gerrard insists he will not make the same mistake as he shrugged off questions about toppling Brendan Rodgers’ seven-in-a-row champions.
“It’s a difficult question to answer as it’s a long season and this is just the start,” he said ahead of his first showdown with domestic opposition.
“We made a lot of changes for a reason – we felt the squad needed that amount of surgery to help it compete.
“We don’t want to put any targets or added pressure on us than is already on us at the moment. All I’ve said (to the players) is just to focus on each game at a time.
“The idea is to make the squad as strong as possible in each position and have variety in every position so we have the quality to compete across the whole season. But we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. The important thing is to focus on Aberdeen.
“Every fan, every pundit, every media guy will have his opinion on where Rangers are at the minute. I don’t think we need to get involved in that. We have confidence and belief in ourselves.
“We’re trying to create a culture, a winning mentality, in the dressing room which helps us grow stronger – but it will take time.”
Meanwhile, Derek McInnes sees a high-profile date with Gerrard’s Rangers as the “perfect game” to help his Dons side recover from Europa League disappointment.
The Dons could not be separated from Premier League opponents Burnley over two 90-minute legs in the competition’s second-qualifying round, only succumbing to defeat in extra-time at Turf Moor on Thursday.
If a 3-1 defeat on the night, and a 4-2 loss on aggregate, spelled the end of the club’s continental ambitions for another year, the manner of their performances offered plenty of reasons for cheer.
Teenager Lewis Ferguson produced a bicycle-kick finish that will live long in the memory, Gary Mackay-Steven was a constant menace in attack and the likes of Niall McGinn, Graeme Shinnie and Shay Logan all held their own against better-fancied rivals.
There is no time to sit back and reflect on the experience though, with Rangers heading to Pittodrie tomorrow.
“It’s clear and raw at the minute, but we can’t have any hangover from this game affecting the next one,” said McInnes.
“Physically there’s clearly a job to do to make sure we’re ready. The mental side of it we need to really reset ourselves and look forward to a domestic campaign that I’m excited by.
“There’s no better game to try and get off to feeling better about ourselves than by winning on Sunday against Rangers. That’ll be tough but it’s a brilliant game to be involved in and maybe just the perfect game for us.
“We need to quickly move on from the game because the next one is so quick on Sunday, and with the extra time and early kick-off on Sunday that’s the biggest concern at the minute.”
Hibernian have brought striker Jamie Maclaren back to Easter Road on a season-long loan deal.
The Australia international signed off on his first spell with a hat-trick against Rangers in May and Hibs have succeeded in persuading German side Darmstadt to sanction a return to Scotland.
The Hibees kick-off their campaign away to Motherwell tomorrow. The Steelmen have sold defender Cedric Kipre to Wigan for an undisclosed fee which could reportedly hit £1 million.
The Ivory Coast under-23 international defender joined Motherwell from Leicester last summer.
Rangers target Kyle Lafferty is expected to feature for Hearts in their Ladbrokes Premiership opener against Hamilton today. New Jambos signing Ryan Edwards is suspended.