Steven Gerrard heaped praise on two Liverpool loanees Ryan Kent and Ovie Ejaria after their displays against Ufa in the Europa League play-off.
Gerrard said that he is “delighted” with both of them and admitted he is surprised at how quickly they’ve settled in.
He added that Ejaria enjoyed his “best 90 minutes” at Rangers and said he will get even better as the season progresses.
He said that Kent is “very clever” and predicted that “goals will come soon” for him.
Gerrard was talking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Motherwell on Sunday.
?? SG: When I brought in Kent and Ejaria I didn't expect them to settle so quickly as they are both young lads coming to a huge club in a new city. I'm absolutely delighted with both of them.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 24, 2018
??SG: Last night was Ejaria's best 90 minutes together, he was great last night. I think him and the fans can grow together as he will improve and entertain each week.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 24, 2018
?? SG: Kent tactically is very clever and his always a threat with his pace. I feel like the goals will come soon.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 24, 2018
OPINION
Gerrard will know Kent and Ejaria very well from his time with the Liverpool youth team and he will have known what they’d produce once they settled in. Moving from Liverpool to Rangers is a huge move. They’re both big clubs but the football is very different in the Premiership. Ejaria in particular struggled to adapt his game but last night was his best game by far in a Rangers shirt and he got the fans on side in a big way after attracting a fair amount of criticism for his displays up to that point. If he can improve further on last night then Rangers will have a big-time player who will be one of the best in Scotland. Kent has been playing well but that’s six games without a goal now for the 21-year-old. That’s really what Rangers are lacking at the moment and if he can add goals to his locker, as Gerrard expects, Rangers should start enjoying some easier games. Last night should have been more comfortable than the 1-0 they came out with.