Rangers boss Steven Gerrard admits he's "disappointed" by Ovie Ejaria's decision to quit his loan and return to Liverpool.

Ejaria has opted to return to Liverpool early having featured 28 times in all competitions.

"Look he's a Liverpool player so I first and foremost have to respect the kid and the privacy," Gerrard said after watching Rangers beat Hamilton 1-0 to move back to the top of the Scottish Premiership.

"I'd like to thank Liverpool for the opportunity to have him here for half the season.

"Am I disappointed he's gone? Yes. Do I think it's the right decision? No, because I think he had an incredible opportunity here.

"But I'm never going to stand in a player's way who is not happy and who is not settled because I have people who are desperate to wear the shirt and who would run through brick walls to wear it.

"It is what it is. I have to accept the decision. I'm sad about it, I wish him all the best. He's a nice kid, very quiet. He told me it was 100 per cent football reasons and I have respect that."