WALTER HAS OUR SUPPORT
TONIGHT, 8PM, BT SPORT
FROM BACK PAGE arrived from Liverpool. The former Anfield icon has often hailed the advice he has been given from the man who guided to Rangers to nine in a row in the 1990s and then returned to win three league titles and reach the final of the 2008 UEFA Cup.
Gerrard said: “I’ve already sent my best wishes to Walter’s family.
“Everyone at the club wishes Walter well. He still plays a massive part at this club, he’s an iconic figure.
“He’s someone I’ve got a close relationship with. I was only on a Zoom call with him days before he went into the hospital.
“Everyone is right behind Walter, wishing him well, and hopefully he will be out of hospital before too long.”
Gerrard has revealed he has discussed right-back Nathan Patterson’s international prospects with Scotland boss Steve Clarke and the pair are in agreement the youngster shouldn’t be rushed.
The 19-year-old has shown real promise while deputising for injured captain James Tavernier, scoring a Europa League cracker against Royal Antwerp, and will play against Slavia Prague tonight and Celtic on Sunday.
But Gerrard believes a Scotland call-up would be too soon.
He said: “Steve will obviously be really sensible, as we will, in terms of managing Nathan.
“He’s got a really bright future with a lot of potential but at the same time we’ve got to look at the big picture with him. He’s doing extremely well but he’s still really raw, still needs a lot of work and we are both aware of that.
“At some point, I’ve got every confidence that he will become part of that set-up but from Steve’s point of view and mine, there is certainly no rush.
“I’m sure he’s watching him closely and he’s had a good, strong few weeks in terms of announcing himself at this level.
“The kid has obviously got a big four or five days coming up, so we’ll give him every bit of support he needs. He’s doing a good job and the future is extremely bright.”
Gerrard also revealed he has discussed Ryan Jack’s fitness with Clarke.
Jack, currently out injured, has been included in the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying triple-header.
Gerrard added: “We’ve been in touch over Ryan and a few players but I’m not going to divulge what gets said. I don’t think that’s fair or respectful.
“Ryan won’t be involved against Slavia. We will make a decision on the weekend when we need to but he’s out for tomorrow.”