Gerrard praises Goldson

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And rightly too I would say, if there is a pick of the bunch among the new recruits he has to be up there among the leading candidates. This guy is sewing it up at the back while pinging inch perfect 50 yard passes from defence and nodding them in up front.

 

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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has hailed the influence of centre-back Connor Goldson in instilling a resilience to the side.

 

Gerrard’s team will face a major test of their new-found solidity when they face Maribor in Slovenia on Thursday protecting a 3-1 first-leg lead in their attempts to reach the Europa League play-offs.

 

But Rangers will travel with confidence after conceding just three goals in their first seven games under Gerrard.

 

The former Liverpool captain has a new-look defensive line-up with the likes of goalkeeper Allan McGregor and defenders Nikola Katic, Jon Flanagan and Borna Barisic joining the club.

 

But Gerrard highlighted the importance of the arrival of Goldson from Brighton after he scored his first goal for the club in Sunday’s 2-0 win over St Mirren.

 

“He’s a leader, he’s a huge player and we’re delighted to have him here for a long time,” Gerrard told Rangers TV.

 

“He’s been superb both on and off the pitch since the day he rolled in and he’s a huge player for us.

 

“He’s the reason why we are looking so solid with his communication, his organisation and he is posting very, very strong performances.

 

“That is the reason he is vice-captain here, I trust him and I’m really enjoying watching him at the moment.

 

“I think we’ve brought people in here who enjoy getting clean sheets. I know Allan McGregor does and we have brought in two centre-halves who love defending and stiffened the midfield up with some tough players as well.

 

“We’ve added the likes of Jon Flanagan to that and that’s the reason why we are looking more solid and the reason we are keeping clean sheets.

 

“We were very unlucky not to get a clean sheet against Aberdeen conceding so late on but I think where we are in terms of organisation and our defensive side and our shape, we are looking really good.”

http://sport.bt.com/football/steven-gerrard-credits-connor-goldson-for-rangers-resilience-S11364289095149