STEVEN GERRARD hopes Jordan Rossiter can go from strength to strength this season after earning his first start of the campaign against Hamilton.

The midfielder has endured another torrid term with injuries as he has once again spent lengthy spells out of action in recent months.

But he marked his return to the starting line-up with an impressive performance at the Hope Stadium as he helped Gerrard’s side to a crucial 4-1 Premiership victory.

Gerrard previously worked with Rossiter as he progressed through the ranks at Liverpool before he made the move to Ibrox two years ago.

And the Light Blues boss was pleased to see the Scouser back on the park and taking another step on the road to recovery against Accies.

Gerrard said: “Well he's earned that. With Scotty Arfield getting a niggle on international duty, that opened the door for someone and Jordan has put in two or three weeks of really strong training sessions and done really well for the reserves.

“We had a bounce game behind closed doors and he was head and shoulders above most of those on the pitch.

“I've said to the players behind the scenes you've got to fight for a shirt and earn the chance to play. So if I don't back that up with my decisions the players won't believe in me or trust me.

“So Jordan earned that [on Sunday] and I thought he was very strong for his first showing in such a long time. I was very pleased with him.

“He's a bright kid. Tactically he's very astute. I can trust him to go in and do a job if and when I need to.

“The key now is to really look after Jordan and get him out there as much as we can. He's had a tough time so we'll tailor his programme. We just want him available as much as we can from now to the end of the season.”