Kris Commons has criticised Steven Gerrard for "strange" comments about striker Greg Stewart following the 5-0 victory over Aberdeen. 

Ex-Celtic midfielder Commons reckons Gerrard has treated Greg Stewart as an "outcast" despite being his side's "best creator".

Stewart, making his first start for Rangers following a move from Birmingham City, scored one and had a hand in others as he put in a man-of-the-match shift at Ibrox.

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And after Gerrard admitted Stewart had given him "something to think about" in terms of team selection, Commons questioned the manager's judgement.

"I found Gerrard's post-match comments on Saturday a bit strange, given how good Stewart had been and how key he had been to victory," he told Daily Mail.

"He had admitted that Stewart had taken his chance, before then saying that the performance had 'given me something to think about'.

"Sorry, but what is there to think about? The answer is staring Gerrard square in the face because, on that form, Stewart is his most creative player.

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"As a player, I wouldn't like to hear my manager saying something like that about me. It's almost as if he's saying: 'Okay, so Greg's part of my second string, but I might think about playing him more in the future'.

"Basically, it sounds as if Gerrard still isn't fully convinced, which begs the question of why he chose to sign him in the first place?"

Commons went on to suggest that Gerrard may be spoilt for choice in wide areas by adding: "Stewart is far better than that. Look at the abundance of wide players at the club - Jordan Jones, Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo and Brandon Barker.

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"When he's on top form, I'd take Stewart ahead of any of them. It's time for Gerrard to show more trust and faith in him. After this performance on Saturday, the Rangers manager shouldn't be speaking about him like he's some kind of outcast."

Stewart's goal capped a fine individual performance in which he also hit the woodwork. 

His strike came either side of a James Tavernier penalty and a goal from top scorer Alfredo Morelos.

Tavernier grabbed another from the spot and substitute Jermain Defoe rounded off the performance to ensure Rangers closed the gap at the top to one point following Celtic's 1-1 draw at Hibs.