Rangers derby demand by Steven Gerrard going into Livingston test

Gerrard has had almost two weeks to pore over a 2-0 home defeat by Celtic while some of his players have been away on international duty.

But all have gathered together again to go out and start making amends for a disappointing display when Rangers failed to seriously trouble Celtic. That process could begin when Gary Holt’s team visit Ibrox on Ladbrokes Premiership duty.

Gerrard said: “We all want to get back to winning ways. From a mental point of view, everyone is ready to bounce back.

“Of course, there’s people at different stages. Some have been away and played two internationals, some have travelled a lot, some have stayed behind and worked very hard and are very fresh and ready to go.

“But I think all of us understand the setback and where we were 10 days ago, and that’s the reason I am really looking forward to kick-off on Saturday.

“Because in football you get a chance to bounce back from a disappointment and that’s what we want to do.”

Gerrard’s feelings have not changed since he spoke immediately afterwards. Rangers went into the derby on a high after beating Legia Warsaw to reach the Europa League group stages and Gerrard employed the same formation and all-but-one of the starting side who had secured a second home win over their city rivals last season.

“It’s more frustration,” he said. “I know what these players can do, individually and collectively. I know some of the top performances they have already delivered. Three days before it they were absolutely magnificent. Maybe that took a little bit out of them, I don’t know.

“But there’s no getting away from it, we have to accept it and be responsible. All we can do is look forward and try and recover from that - three points is always the perfect tonic after a big defeat.”