Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is ready to have formula put to the test

Steven Gerrard admits the time could be approaching when his first-team formula for this season is really tested.

The Rangers manager made a conscious decision to add numbers to the squad during the summer.

He aimed to have the club fighting for trophies on several fronts, and wanted as many top players as possible.

That could pay dividends over the next month as the Ibrox men battle for supremacy at the top of the league, strive to qualify for European success and take on Celtic in the League Cup Final.

Gerrard said: “There’s no getting away from it. There are some really tough, challenging fixtures within the next block.

“It’s the exact reason why we went for volume of bodies in the summer.

“You have to picture scenarios where you have a run in the League Cup, and go to the wire in the Europa League.

“We knew we could be in a situation where we have 10 or 11 games over a six-week period.

“So two things are important. Volume and quality. That’s what we tried to do when we put the squad together.

“We were certainly stung by suspensions on too many occasions last season, which we’ve spoken about too many times.

“Injuries hit us at times, too. But we can’t look for excuses.

“Lads have just been playing internationals, some are a little bit tight. They’re fit, they’re available, but have little things they’re monitoring.

“There are numerous things I have to juggle around, in terms of being ahead of the game and what I’m thinking about further down the road.

“I didn’t want to say last summer that we were the finished article, because people will jump all over you if you have a setback or hit a bump in the road.

“I like to do the talking when the games begin and so far we’re doing OK.

“I’m really happy with where the squad sits right now.

“I need to keep driving everything, and make sure the players are focused on the next game.”

Two of Gerrard’s first-team players – Jon Flanagan and George Edmundson – turned out for the Colts against Wrexham in the Challenge Cup last weekend.

Their boss says both are available for today’s game at Hamilton.

He went on: “It was my decision for them to take part. But the good thing was that they were chomping at the bit and wanting to play.

“That shows character and attitude.

“Anyone in the defence could be needed at any time.

“I don’t think you have a choice. That’s the brutal truth.

“You’re playing a risky game if you’re refusing to play for the second team or refusing opportunities to get yourself match-fit.

“That would tell me everything I probably wouldn’t want to hear.”