GORDON Strachan believes Steven Gerrard is capable of ending Celtic’s run of seven consecutive Scottish titles and preventing 10-In-A-Row in his first season as Rangers manager.
The former Scotland boss, who became the first man to lead the Parkhead club to three straight league wins since Jock Stein after taking over from Martin O’Neill in 2005, has been impressed with how Gerrard has done so far.
The former Liverpool and England midfielder hasn’t suffered a single defeat in nine Europa League, Ladbrokes Premiership and Betfred Cup matches.
Strachan knows from personal experience that fortunes can change quickly in Glasgow , but he has predicted that Gerrard can launch a serious challenge to Brendan Rodgers’s team in the months ahead.
“What Steven Gerrard, with Gary McAllister, is doing at Rangers is exciting,” he said.
“No matter what happens, them coming up has heightened the profile of Scottish football. That’s good for us as a league. It’s been a great start for Gerrard. He’s got the fans on board straight away.
“Being the captain of Liverpool was a good grounding for life as Rangers manager.
“He’s intelligent enough to know it doesn’t last like this all the time – there must be something coming along, and he’ll be ready for it.”
Strachan added: “What would success look like for Rangers this season? You’ve got to remember their fans want everything. But the biggest thing right now is 10-In-A-Row.
“No matter what anybody says, that’s in the background. It’d be the holy grail for Celtic fans, and basically hell for Rangers supporters.
“Wim Jansen stopped Rangers getting ten in a row in the Nineties, and he’s held in such high esteem as a result. The players that played in his team are held up just below the Lisbon Lions.
“So if Gerrard can do the same to Celtic, his tenure there would be an unqualified success.
“As for this season, what Rangers fans want is every game to be close, one way or another. They’ve had to put up with the game being over after an hour recently, and sitting through half an hour of torture at the end.
“If Gerrard could bring them a cup, and give Celtic a right fright in the league this season, they’d be happy with that.
“I think Celtic have to take Rangers seriously. They have to look at them as serious rivals. There’ll be a right real challenge in the league this season.
“Which can only be good for Scottish football generally. I think it could be a blessing in disguise for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers.”
Gordon Strachan was speaking to Paddy Power News. To read more visit news.paddypower.com
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