Gerrard continues to make a case for Goldson’s defence
IN THE court of public opinion, the jury is very much out on Connor Goldson. Steven Gerrard will always make the case for his defence, though. Goldson admitted liability for the mistake that cost Rangers dear against Hamilton in midweek but it seems unlikely he will face an immediate punishment for it.
The Englishman has long been something of an enigma at Ibrox. He is one of Gerrard’s stalwarts, both on the park and off it, but the supporters haven’t always agreed with their manager’s stance on Goldson’s importance to the team.
The howler at home to Hamilton – as he allowed David Moyo to nip in and score the goal that condemned Rangers to an embarrassing defeat – is far from the only one that Goldson has made this term. Given the backing the 27-year-old received from his manager on Friday, it appears those that feel he should be dropped for the clash with Ross County tomorrow won’t get their wish.
Gerrard said: “I think you look to the player straight away to see his reaction to the mistake. Connor came into the dressing room and apologised to his team-mates.
“I am not saying he had to do that, but that tells me it is someone who has taken the responsibility on the chin and has owned up to that mistake.
“I am someone who appreciates Connor Goldson. He is someone who has been fit for the majority of the time, always makes himself available, he has stood up to the challenge of coming here. He has made a genuine mistake and he held his hand up to it. Connor has got enough in the bank with me because I see his daily behaviour and what he puts in to making it a success here at Rangers.
“I think his performance outside the mistake, he didn’t do much else wrong. I am sure he will bounce back from it and he will be fine. Has he got my support? One hundred per cent. I need Connor Goldson, I need the best Connor Goldson.”
While some members of Gerrard’s squad have paid the price for their misdemeanours this term, Goldson has always retained the faith of the man who brought him to Ibrox from Brighton last term.
If he does start on Sunday, he will do so with the spotlight shining brightly on him. That won’t faze Goldson, however.
“He is a strong character,” Gerrard said. “I think in situations when there has been a mistake, as a manager you have a chat with that individual and see how he is feeling. You ask for some honesty and go from there. But definitely in this situation with Connor, he is mentally strong and I don’t think it would affect him if he was selected to play against Ross County.”
There will be more than one man on the park – and more than one off it – under pressure when Rangers take to the field in Dingwall tomorrow lunchtime.
As their silverware ambitions have slipped away, the pressure has steadily increased and doubts over the mentality of the Ibrox squad have become more pertinent.
It is too early to fully turn attentions to next season but the coming weeks will offer
He has made a mistake and he held his hand up to it
plenty of pointers as to just who is up for the challenge.
“Definitely,” Gerrard said when asked if he will learn about his players’ character.
“As the manager of the team now, you are looking round to see who is pulling their sleeves up, who is on board.
“You only have to sit next to Jacko [Ryan Jack] to realise he is in. He is on board. He is someone who is going to roll the sleeves up and battle for you. You do look and you learn an awful lot more about people when times are tough.”
There will be just a couple of thousand away fans inside the Global Energy Stadium as Gerrard’s side return to action.
The atmosphere and the challenge will be very different to the one that was faced in midweek. The eighth-minute applause in support of Gerrard was an unnecessary and somewhat cringey footnote to the night but the 39-year-old knows his side must repay the backing from the stands sooner rather than later.
He said: “It is obviously very flattering. I need the supporters with me and I’m sure they will be.
“But it’s my job to make sure that I get them smiling and happy again as soon as possible. And I’m doing everything in my power to get these players back where they should be because we all know that the last couple of results are probably not a true reflection of what’s in that dressing room.
“It is what it is. But what I don’t want now is to see players hiding away from it. I’m really interested in seeing reactions, positive reactions, so that everyone collectively is together to turn it around.”