Steven Gerrard has been under the spotlight for 20 years so won’t be daunted by anything, says former Rangers star Arthur Numan

ARTHUR NUMAN was one of the 49,068 inside Ibrox Stadium on Thursday night for Rangers’ Europa League tie against Spartak Moscow.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, he liked what he saw.

Less than a year ago, the Dutchman had genuine concerns about the direction Rangers were heading in under Pedro Caixinha.

Now, the Ibrox legend is delighted to see the progress being made under Steven Gerrard.

And he fully expects his former club to take another massive stride in their transformation this evening by defeating Aberdeen in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup.

Numan – who won two Trebles during his five years in Glasgow – told The Sunday Post: “I’ve always said you need a strong mentality to cope with being at Glasgow Rangers.

“The focus and spotlight is on you 24 hours a day, and there is no hiding place.

“I thrived on it.

“But, for other people, it can be too much for them and swallows them up. I find that understandable.

“You also need to quickly grasp what the club is all about, and the demands on your shoulders every day.

“To be second best at Glasgow Rangers isn’t acceptable. You need to win – it’s very simple.

“I’m not sure Pedro Caixinha really appreciated what the expectation levels were, and he was always going to struggle because of that.

“But, in Steven Gerrard, the club has a top operator in the most important position at the club.

“He knows the game of football, commands respect and has exactly the type of personality you need for this job.

“He has been under the spotlight for 20 years at Liverpool and England, and he coped with it superbly well. So he isn’t daunted by anything.

“He’s a young manager but he has really impressed me in the way he conducts himself off the park, and also on the sidelines.

“The really positive thing is that there will be much more to come from him.

“I think he has a terrific future and has the potential to become one of the very best Rangers managers.

“You also look at the way he and his coaching staff have improved the players they inherited.

“James Tavernier is now a much more accomplished footballer.

“Alfredo Morelos is now a big-game player whereas last season there were questions over his ability to score in the top games.

“Andy Halliday has also found a good bit of form after he was questioned last season. Young Glenn Middleton has really caught the eye.

“I then assess the recruitment policy under Gerrard, and most of it has been very favourable.

“When you bring in 11 or 12 new players, it is never easy.

“It is impossible for every one of them to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in a positive way.

“But you look at the contribution of the Liverpool youngsters – Ryan Kent and Ovi Ejaria – and they’ve been good.

“Borna Barisic and Connor Goldson have fitted in very well at the back. Lassana Coulibaly has all the makings of a top player.

“And then you have Allan McGregor, who has been absolutely first class.

“Rangers have had a very successful European campaign and, domestically, they have to be ready to take that next step and that is to get the club to the League Cup Final.

“Success at Ibrox is measured by the amount of silverware you deliver – and Rangers under Gerrard appear ready to take that next step.

“This is the first major trophy of the season, and there appears to be a belief that they will produce on the big occasion at Hampden against Aberdeen.

“Of course, confidence is all well and good – you then need to take it on to the park and dominate.

“I think the current team has the ability to do it. My overall assessment is that the club wasn’t heading in the right direction under Caixinha this time last year.

“Now there is progress being made, and there is every reason to be optimistic.

“That said, there also has to be an element of caution because it all won’t happen overnight. There will be bumps ahead and patience on all fronts will be required.”

Numan hopes Rangers’ road to Hampden for the final on December 2 is a smooth one. But the Dutchman would never write off Aberdeen, especially with Derek McInnes in charge.

He and the Dons boss were team-mates at Ibrox, and the Dutchman recalled: “Derek was a talented footballer and dedicated professional.

“Dick Advocaat played him in several big games, including Champions League fixtures.

“But Derek didn’t get as many starts as he wanted and decided to move on to get regular football elsewhere.

“I admire players like that.

“It’s better to be that way than preferring to sit around and not be too involved at first-team level.

“As a manager, Derek has achieved very good things. He has made Aberdeen an established force in Scottish football and deserves huge credit for that.

“They have been second to Celtic in the league for three or four years and won the League Cup.

“They have made impressive strides in his five years in charge because, for a few years before that, they were rarely in the top four.

“It was only natural he would attract attention, and Rangers came in for him last season.

“I think he would have made a very good Rangers manager, but he opted to stay at Aberdeen.

“He also turned down Sunderland. So he has had offers and you have to applaud his loyalty.

“Of course, Aberdeen haven’t had the best of starts in the league this season, and I’ve been told there are one or two mumblings of discontent amongst the Aberdeen fans. If that is the case, then it is really unfair.

“I fancy Rangers to win on Sunday. But if that does happen, it doesn’t mean Derek is not an excellent manager and still the right man to lead Aberdeen.

“He is talented and driven, and he will continue to do well for the club.”

Today kicks off a crucial two-month period before the winter break for Rangers.

Outwith this semi-final, the Europa League section will be decided and there will also be an Old Firm game at Ibrox on December 29.

Numan continued: “Getting into the Europa League group stages must be worth in the region of £8-10 million to Rangers.

“It’s very good money and it can be put to good use in January at the next transfer window.

“By that stage, the direction of their season will be very clear.

“They could have a major trophy in the cabinet and the league will really have taken shape with 16 or 17 games on the board.

“I will be keeping a close eye on things, and I really believe the fans deserve something to celebrate.

“They have been outstanding this season and the backing they have given the team has been absolutely brilliant.

“It was great to be beside them on Thursday night. Ibrox holds a special place in my heart and that’s why I come back over from Holland as often as possible.

“I’d like my next trip to be for the League Cup Final – to celebrate a Rangers victory.”