John Aldridge says he wants Steven Gerrard to succeed at Rangers

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Celtic fan John Aldridge says he has split loyalties over Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

John Aldridge has told The Mail he has conflicted loyalties over Steven Gerrard’s appointment by Rangers.

The former Republic of Ireland international says he has supported Celtic since the 1960s, but wants Gerrard to be a huge success at Rangers.

This is due to Aldridge’s association with Liverpool, where he played for two years and won the 1987/88 title.

He has a long standing association a pundit for the Reds in varying capacity, working with LFC TV and he has got to know Steven Gerrard personally through the years.

He told The Mail that Gerrard being appointed at Ibrox is providing him with a bit of a personal headache.

Aldridge said: “I’m actually in a strange position here because I’ve supported Celtic ever since the Lisbon Lions.

“But I’ve obviously got the utmost respect for Glasgow Rangers Football Club and I want them to be strong. I’m sure Steven will get them back on track.”

Discussing Gerrard’s assistant, ex-Scotland international Gary McAllister, Aldridge added: “Gary is a great lad as well. I think they will do a really good job at Rangers.”

Rangers finished 12 points behind Celtic last season but it seemed like a lot more after the chasm in class between the two sides when they met at the end of the season.

Gerrard arriving has given everybdy at Ibrox a much needed lift, but this may fade once the season begins and reality sets in.

Nobody quite knows what to expect from Gerrard, and the fear for Rangers fans is that the manager is in the dark over what to expect, or is not prepared for the tough slog which awaits.