Rangers fell to defeat against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon, but Steven Gerrard was at least impressed with midfielder John Lundstram.
The Gers headed to the Wirral as their pre-season preparations continue, but were surprisingly beaten by the English League Two side.
A goal from Kieron Morris handed Tranmere the win, with Rangers looking more than rusty – to be expected this early into the summer.
Gerrard did hand a start to new signing Lundstram, who joined the club on a free transfer from Sheffield United earlier this month.
The midfielder refused to sign a new deal with the Blades, and Gerrard lured his fellow Liverpudlian up to Ibrox on a three-year deal.
Lundstram started the first half before being taken off at half time, with Gerrard understandably attempting to get minutes into all of his players.
Gerrard has now reacted to Lundstram’s debut, telling Rangers TV that he felt Lundstram ‘cruised’ the first half and showed both ‘quality’ and ‘presence’ in midfield.
Gerrard added that Lundstram came into the game tired so did look leggy towards the end of the first half, but was considered a ‘positive’ from the defeat.
“For large parts of the first half John cruised it,” said Gerrard. You can see what he’s going to give us, he tired a little bit. He’s been pushed really hard this week, he went into the game tired but you could see his quality and his presence. He’ll get better and better so he was a positive for me today,” he added.
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