Rangers’ Steven Gerrard embracing Old Firm expectations

Celtic boss Neil Lennon spoke about the hysteria that is surrounding the Parkhead club at the moment, despite them losing only one Premiership game this season – to Rangers – and being able to go within three points of the Light Blues at the top of the table if they win their game in hand.

Gerrard’s side are unbeaten in 16 games this season as they look forward to the Europa League clash with Polish side Lech Poznan tonight at Ibrox.

The former captain of Liverpool and England, still to win a trophy at Ibrox, knows any marked change in that form would see him under the spotlight.

He said: “I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to work it out that whoever is in the best form seems to get a bit more peace in terms of scrutiny in the media and the questions that are fired at you.

“You get a couple of indifferent results and that certainly changes very quickly and the heat comes in a different direction. That’s the way it is.

“That’s what myself and Neil, or myself and Brendan (Rodgers) prior to Neil, have to live with. That’s the job we are in. That’s never going to change.

“I’m sure that it has been the same for many years and it will be in the future.

“I accept that. Obviously the team are doing well, we need to keep continuing that. But it is what it is.”

Asked about increasing expectations, Gerrard said: “We need to just focus on our job in hand.

“It’s my job to guard and protect the players in the squad from the noise from the outside, whether it be positive, whether it be negative.

“It’s my job to make sure the team stay in this place, stay humble and guard from complacency and we’ll just attack each game individually and give it our best shot.

“We want the run to last as long as possible. I don’t think it’s realistic to expect us to win every game but we’re playing well.

“We are at a good level, confidence is high, belief is high.

“It will be a tough game but one we’re certainly looking forward to and it’s coming at a good time because of the place we’re in.”

South Africa international Bongani Zungu joined in with his new team-mates at training for the first time after quarantine following a loan move from Amiens.

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