Gerrard tells his young Gers to commit

NICE 0 RANGERS 2

“I will only play players who show they’re good enough”

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard warned the club’s young players to commit on and off the pitch after praising Jamie Barjonas following his goal in a 2-0 win over Nice.

Gerrard held up 21-year-old Barjonas, Lewis Mayo and Nathan Patterson as examples of what he wants from his academy players after they contributed to the club’s Veolia Trophy success in France.

Gerrard stressed players with egos would not be involved in his first team, days after reports claimed 18-year-old Kai Kennedy had been told he was free to find a new club after rejecting an offer to extend his contract beyond next summer.

The Scotland U19 international, linked with Manchester City, Roma and Bayern, was not included in the squad for the French pre-season trip.

Gerrard said: “I’m pleased for Jamie. This is the first time since I have been in a first-team game that he has shown personality. We think he is better than what he has shown.

“I want to bring academy players in but they have got to commit.

“If you don’t commit to the club you won’t be seen anywhere near me.

“I have been hearing a few things down at the academy that there’s been a bit of ego about.

“I will only play the players who show me on a daily basis they’re good enough and Nathan Patterson, Jamie Barjonas and Lewis Mayo have shown that since the first day.”

Barjonas netted deep into stoppage-time after Jermain Defoe had given Rangers a 40thminute lead.