The gaffer’s honest, kind and caring, but he doesn’t take any prisoners ...he was a legend as a player, he’s a brilliant communicator and he will be a top manager

TOULON TROPHY WINNER WORRALL ON GERRARD IN THE RANGERS INFERNO

HEAT and pressure have been commonplace in Govan since the 1800s when Glasgow was the centre of the shipbuilding world.

These days the orders from around the globe for luxurious ocean liners and naval ships have dried up.

But a few streets away at Ibrox, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is forging a promising managerial career in front of 50,000 demanding Rangers fans each game.

It is an exciting journey, which may one day take him down the west coast, from the banks of the Clyde to the mouth of the Mersey and back to his beloved Anfield.

He has avoided choppy waters so far and the initial signs are promising that Gerrard can handle the cutthroat profession as he thrives in the red-hot boiler room of Scottish football.

His side are two points off the top of the Scottish Premiership and a point off first place in Europa League Group G. And if anyone doubted the stakes north of the border, they appear every bit as high as Gerrard’s playing days.

“The demand to win is like nothing you will ever experience unless you are at Manchester United or Liverpool,” said Rangers defender Joe Worrall (below).

“People say it is only the Scottish Premiership, but, trust me, you put a Rangers shirt on and it is so demanding and difficult to play under the pressure.

“You can’t go down to the shops. People live for it. They will let you know if you are not playing well and let you know if you are. It is volatile. We lost against Livingston 1-0 and the lads were getting pelters. I can imagine some players crumble up here and find it difficult.”

Worrall is enjoying his time under Gerrard, where he has made 11 appearances since a summer loan from Nottingham Forest.

They include European nights where the noise at Ibrox is so loud he struggles to hear team-mates or the referee.

Domestically, a December 29 clash against league leaders Celtic is already looming large.

Celtic have won the last seven league titles, but Worrall insists Gerrard can turn the Gers into champions-elect.

Gerrard is certainly cracking the whip and was even unhappy at 3-1 up at half-time against Motherwell in their last game.

He duly hauled defender Nikola Katic off at the break before they ran out 7-1 winners against the 10-man visitors.

In a revealing insight into Gerrard as a boss, Worrall said: “The gaffer definitely takes no prisoners.

“He said to us, ‘I will play the best team possible from training and games and if you get a shirt to play, you had better keep hold of it’.

“He added, ‘I don’t want anyone knocking on my door saying, “Why I am not playing?” If you are playing well, you get a shirt. If you don’t, you don’t’.

“But he is a caring manager, who is very kind and not a shouter. He is going to have a top managerial career. He explains stuff in detail and all the guys are buying into it.

“What he has achieved in the game is fantastic and he is a legend.

“He is similar in the way he approaches management as well. He is firm, but gets his arm around you when you need a bit of a cuddle. He has effectively managed all his career – he has played right in the centre of the pitch and been England captain.

“As a manager to play for, he’s the complete package of someone English on your level who is a good communicator.

“He is very open, honest and a nice guy. There are no grey areas – that is what you don’t want – communication is key.

“You can have top players, but you can’t just send them out and let the coaches do it.”

Worrall believes Gerrard would ideally still be playing. And the Rangers boss still relishes the chance to train with the squad when possible.

Worrall said: “He joins in when we have an injury or a man goes off. He has still got it and can still zing a ball.

“He still wants to be on the pitch. He always comes out in his boots and his shorts and joins in the passing boxes. He must be itching to still play, but his time as a player has gone.”

Those playing days may be gone, but Gerrard’s contribution to football has many miles to go if his baby steps in management in Glasgow are anything to go by.