Gers boss is backing star Scott
maybe not hit the heights of last season but he set such high standards, towards the end of the campaign he was on fire. He was in the zone.
“Scott is one that we trust. We’ll stay with him and keep believing that he’ll get back to his best form.
“He’s had a situation off the field rumbling on, that he’s had for a few weeks, and is his private business.
“That’s up to him whether he divulges that or not. He’s had a tough few weeks.
“But he’s still very much part of our plans and I really appreciate what he’s given us since he came through the door, on and off the pitch. We won’t turn him away, for sure.
“Fans don’t see that kind of thing and I don’t want to divulge too much of his private business.
“But it’s my responsibility to protect Scott. That’s what I try to do when sometimes a player has a situation where they’re not themselves.
“But what I’ll say about Scott is that he’s always there for you.
“Maybe other people might have stayed away from the place so, fair play to him, he’s some man.”
Arfield will be in contention to start the Old Firm Betfred Cup final against Celtic at Hampden next Sunday despite his dip in form.
Gerrard could probably name nine of his starting XI now, with two spots up for grabs – one in midfield and the other on the right flank.
But he has challenged all of his players to grab a jersey.
He added: “Is there a chance for players to grab two or three spots that might be available in the cup final team? I wouldn’t say there’s three.
“At times, I thought I knew my best XI. But things change in football, sometimes people grasp an opportunity. Players surprise you and then others don’t take their chance.
“So there’s a bit of that going on in one or two situations within the team.
“A lot of players are very consistent at the moment, which means I’m finding it hard to get certain people in. So work that out.
“If you’re complacent at Rangers there will always be someone ready to step in.
“The XI is certainly not set between now and the end of the season.
“So everyone should have hope and belief that they’ll get an opportunity.
“I’m not going to just forget someone off the back of a bad performance, a mistake or a little barren spell.”