Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt is backing former teammate Steven Gerrard for success as Rangers manager.

Kuyt reckons the professionalism Gerrard showed when he was one of the world's top ­players, will stand him in good stead at Ibrox.

He said: “Steven Gerrard is the greatest I have ever played with in my life.

“I have learnt so much from him. He is an absolute icon – and I am sure he is going to be a great manager too."

Kuyt added: “I learnt so much from Gerrard.

“We all get ­moments of disappointment in our ­career. We all expect to play, but never show disappointment when you don't.

“Use that ­energy in a good way and if you have anger, let it come out on the pitch in your next match.

“If you want to achieve things, you have to create it together, no matter how big a star you are.

“Gerrard was an ­absolute giant as a player and he also had the individual class to decide matches."