Why Gerrard needs a player like Celtic legend Scott Brown at Rangers to close the gap on the Hoops

Last month, Scottish giants Rangers appointed Steven Gerrard as their new manager on a four-year deal.

Since being appointed, Gerrard has shown an urgency and desire to succeed at Ibrox, quickly completing the signings of Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Jamie Murphy. While it is clear that Rangers’ arch-rivals Celtic have gone miles ahead, Gerrard would need to do something extraordinary to stop them next season.

So what exactly should the former Liverpool skipper do for the Gers?

First and foremost, Gerrard needs to develop a winning mentality inside the Rangers’ dressing room.

It is said that winning is contagious and once a team starts winning, there is no looking back. But to win games and challenge for the title next term, Gerrard would need a player in the mould of Scott Brown, Celtic’s skipper.

There are few players who are natural leaders on the field but there are some who rise to the occasion only in the event of a crisis.

They often bring about balance to the team, both on the field and off it, which sets them apart from their contemporaries. And one such household name in the Scottish Premier League is Celtic’s warrior, Scott Brown.

Brown started his career at Hibernian before moving to Celtic in 2007. At Celtic, the Scotsman has tasted unprecedented success and has established himself as a vital cog of the team.

His leadership qualities are unrivalled and the player is a solid role model for the upcoming generation of Scottish midfielders.

He plays with his heart on his sleeves and is adept at dictating the tempo of the game from the midfield. Brown’s aggressive attitude and arrogance has taken Celtic to a new level under Brendan Rodgers. The midfielder has aged like fine wine – the older he has gotten, the better he has become.

As it stands, Brown continues to be Celtic’s heartbeat. He is a leader, warrior, motivator and an inspirational figure and to find players like him is a rarity.

However, Gerrard must strive hard to get someone like him this summer. A charismatic figure like Brown is the need of the hour at Ibrox as Gerrard plots his way to reduce the gap between Rangers and Celtic.

Gerrard has a massive job at hand and whether he finds success or not, it goes without saying that Brown will go down as one of the greatest players in Scottish history.