McAllister heaps praise on Gerrard amid Newcastle links

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has heaped praise on Steven Gerrard as the Gers boss is a reported target to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle.

Bruce’s time at St James’ Park seems numbered as the recent takeover at the Magpies has started a new chapter at the club – one without the 60-year-old.

And Gerrard’s name was thrown in the mix as soon as the takeover was confirmed after a successful maiden spell in management at Ibrox.

The top 12 creative players in the Premier League

The ex-Liverpool captain’s assistant McAllister is not surprised by the links, saying: “The thing is, since we have been here there has been speculation and links to several clubs.

“That’s part and parcel of being a high-profile manager. A high-profile manager that’s done pretty well here. Winning the league last season was decent.”

As well as Gerrard, McAllister has heaped praise on young right-back Nathan Patterson after he assisted Lyndon Dykes’ winning goal for Scotland against the Faroe Islands on Tuesday evening.

“He’s improving and improving,” said McAllister. “We feel we have a player who can play a long time for Rangers, but also a player who can represent his country for a long period as well.

“He’ll just keep on getting better. He just needs to keep taking on board the information the manager and the coaches here at Rangers are feeding him.

“His development will get better and better. He’s working hard on the quality of his deliveries when he gets into that final third and the fact is that in the last few games, as a result of that hard work, he’s got results.

“He’s got a level head and he takes on information really well. He’s a humble lad and that’s standing him in good stead. It helps him when he’s playing at a club like this.”

Patterson has recently been linked with a move to Everton. Rangers value the youngster at around £10million, according to reports.

The Toffees were unable to agree a fee for Patterson in the summer transfer window but could go back in for him in January or next summer.