‘Quality’ – Steven Gerrard claims Rangers ace pushing for rare start v Ross County
Steven Gerrard has admitted that Rangers forward Cedric Itten is pushing for a starting spot after scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Motherwell.
The Swiss colossal headed home after Borna Barisic’s pinpoint cross, taking his total to four against the Steelmen this season.
Itten replaced Ianis Hagi with Gerrard putting on two strikers rather than two wingers behind Alfredo Morelos who was isolated.
Speaking to Rangers TV after the draw, Gerrard admitted that he was delighted with his display after coming off the bench at Fir Park.
“I think Cedric epitomised what we were trying to do in the second half.
“He was aggressive out of possession, he worked his socks off, he showed quality and he does what he does which is score important goals and that’s the reason we brought him in.
“He’s pushing for a starting place, we’ll see what happens moving forward.”
It would be a big call to make for Gerrard.
With Kemar Roofe injured at Ibrox, this is the perfect opportunity for Itten to prove himself, and he couldn’t have wished for a better afternoon against Motherwell.
Morelos was frustrated all afternoon by the likes of Bevis Mugabe, and bringing on the more-physical presence of Itten made all the difference.
Hagi and Joe Aribo made a great impact over the Christmas period, but both have started to struggle recently – something Gerrard will be considering.
Given it was Hagi who made way today, it would be no surprise to see the Romanian drop to the bench next time out against Ross County.
In other Rangers news, McFadden shares verdict on Bears goal after Alexander complaints