STUART MCCALL has backed boss Steven Gerrard to lead by example and inspire Rangers in his first season in the dugout.

The Liverpool legend has made an impressive start to life as a manager as he has overhauled the Ibrox squad and raised the bar on and off the park so far this term.

Victory over Dundee on Saturday got Rangers back on track after the 1-0 Old Firm defeat to Celtic before the international break.

Now Gerrard will take his side to Spain this week as the Light Blues begin their Europa League group stage campaign against Villarreal.

And former Gers boss McCall has no doubt that Gerrard can get more out of the Gers as he strives for success in the coming weeks and months.

McCall told SportTimes: “Naturally after the start they have had there is a lot of optimism, and rightly so.

“I am not saying it now because of what he has done, but when the appointment was muted I was very pleased because I know what type of character Steven is.

“He is a leader, has a winning mentality, is used to pressure. He hasn’t managed but when you captain a big club like Liverpool you are managing on the pitch and you are leading, which is what management is about.

“The big disappointment was the performance against Celtic and it wasn’t what people were hoping for.

“But that is a one-off game and Celtic are a very strong side, there is no doubt about that.

“The late goals against Aberdeen and Motherwell were disappointing and that is four points dropped that they should have taken.

“But, on a positive, there is an upbeat vibe about it, he is demanding standards, which I thought he would do, and he is getting there.

“It is easier when things are going well and I am talking about from the players that come in.

“The demands are to win every game so the test comes when you have a disappointing performance, like they had against Celtic. It is the way that they react to that in the following games and how they respond.

“I have been really pleased with the start. Like everyone I was disappointed with the Old Firm game but they have certainly improved, and certainly in an are that they had to at the back. They have progressed in Europe which helps them financially.

“I think there is still a lot to be positive and optimistic about but it is doing it on a consistent basis and that is where the pressure comes for the players.”