ROSS MCCRORIE is confident Steven Gerrard can help him go from strength to strength and realise his potential in the middle of the park.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene at Ibrox last term and turned in a series of impressive performances in both defensive and midfield roles.

Former boss Pedro Caixinha tipped him to go on and become a Rangers and Scotland great after his debut against Partick Thistle.

But McCrorie had to learn harsh lessons in the Old Firm encounters as he struggled to cope with the Celtic attack at times.

Now he is determined to learn all he can from Gerrard and establish himself as a central figure for the Light Blues in the coming months.

McCrorie said: “That’s where I see myself to be honest and that’s where I’ve been featuring in training and in games.

“Hopefully that’s where I can go forward. I feel comfortable there and it feels more natural.

“At centre-back you are maybe not on the ball but I like being right amongst it all. I like putting a tackle in and getting on the ball so it feels natural.

“The manager was obviously a great midfielder but you’ve also got Gary McAllister as well. To be fair all the coaches are all great.

“Steven Gerrard was the best of his generation and if you can’t learn from him then you’re struggling.

“I got off to a good start, but I maybe came back too early from injury. I was maybe pushed in a wee bit but that was down to me wanting back as quick as possible.

“Then I had two bad performances in the Old Firm games but I didn’t think at the start of the season I was too bad.

“I had a lot of pressure on me and those comments didn’t help. But at Rangers you have to live with pressure and I have to get used to it. Pressure is created whatever you do on the pitch as well.

“You have to have a strong mentality and a short memory. Obviously you remember and learn from it - but you can’t let it affect you.”