'They're not world beaters, are they?' - Rangers manager favourite Steven Gerrard can bridge gap to Celtic says insider

DANNY MURPHY insists Steven Gerrard would bridge the gap between Rangers and Treble-chasing Celtic.

The former Ibrox boss is the frontrunner to complete a sensational return to his old job — four years after quitting.

Murphy, a close pal and ex-Liverpool team-mate, is adamant title-winner Gerrard will deliver if backed in the transfer market.

He said: “If Stevie is given a decent budget and is able to bring some players in, they will be competitive.

“Celtic aren’t brilliant, are they? They are a good side. It’s not insurmountable to get to as good as their level, with a few good buys.

“They are a decent side. They’re no world beaters.

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“There is a gap and he’s going to have to try to bridge that — but he’s done it before.

“For Rangers it’s an easy option to appoint Stevie. Or maybe obvious is a better word.

“You’d say, ‘When was the last time we had success? Who brought it for us? Who was able to knock Celtic off their perch?’.

“It was Stevie, wasn’t it?

“There is no guarantee for Rangers because, whoever they appoint, they have to do some really cute business in the transfer market.

“By all accounts, the squad is inept compared to Celtic’s.

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“You can see the table and from the points gap what Rangers need from a player perspective.”

SunSport revealed that Gerrard and Russell Martin were the two main candidates for the job.

The former Scotland defender could now have an alternative option at Leicester, with the Foxes understood to be keen.

Martin has been out of work since being sacked by Southampton but could replace the outgoing Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Spanish reports last night claimed Real Madrid No 2 Davide Ancelotti also remains a contender for the Ibrox gig.

But Murphy believes Gerrard’s status and profile within the game will be appealing to Gers’ incoming US owners.

He said: “American owners like big names in charge, don’t they? You look at Birmingham City appointing Wayne Rooney.

“Stevie would also be able to persuade players to come to Rangers that maybe other managers wouldn’t be able to.”

If Gerrard does seal a Gers return, he would renew his rivalry with his former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

But Murphy dismissed any notion that Gerrard wouldn’t be capable of going up against Rodgers after poor spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.