Gerrard's got an aura about him.. I knew from his first day at Ibrox standards were on a higher level

SOMETIMES he didn't even need to do or say anything.

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

Jamie Murphy reckons Steven Gerrard's sheer presence raised standards at Rangers last time around.

And the former Ibrox winger is convinced he can repeat that feat if he returns for a second stint as gaffer.

Gerrard remains the club's prime candidate to replace Russell Martin after holding talks with the Rangers' hierarchy in London.

Murphy knows exactly the kind of impact the 45-year-old could have after experiencing it first hand in 2018.

Similarly to now, Rangers were at a low ebb when Gerrard turned up for his first shot at management. Murphy admits the players then needed a huge shot in the arm and the Liverpool icon provided it.

He revealed that the level of quality in training increased immediately purely because Gerrard was standing on the sidelines.

Murphy, who scored the first goal of the Scouser's three-and-a-half year reign at Ibrox against Shkupi in a Europa League qualifier, says Rangers need a figurehead to replace Martin.

And given Gerrard's aura and standing in the game, he believes it would be the right choice for his boyhood club.

Murphy told MailSport: "It was brilliant when Steven arrived at Rangers. At that time, it was just what the club needed.

"We'd had ups and downs for years before, with managers coming in and going out.

"But he came in when Rangers really needed him - and straight away he got to work.

"He changed things and made it more professional.