RANGERS midfielder Jordan Rossiter says he owes a debt of gratitude to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for handing him his senior debut while at Liverpool.

The Northern Irishman gave the youngster a first-team opportunity at Anfield in September 2014, but the pair are now set to face off on opposite sides of the Old Firm divide.

While underlining his thanks to Rodgers for the part he played in his development, Rossiter was also quick to express gratitude to Gers boss Mark Warburton for showing faith in the 19-year-old.

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"Brendan Rodgers has managed in the Premier League and is obviously a good coach," he said.

"He has got his way of playing but we've got a good way of playing as well. It's going to be a good battle. It will be interesting.

"I owe him a lot. He brought me into the team at Liverpool and gave me a chance.

"But obviously I owe a lot to the gaffer here too. Mark has shown faith in me to bring me up here and I'm really looking forward to playing under him.

"We want to beat every team in this league, especially Celtic with them being Rangers' main rivals.

"But that doesn't change the fact I owe Brendan a lot. I was only young at the time at Liverpool and learning my way but now I'm looking forward to coming up against his side."

The young midfielder made his Light Blues debut against Stranraer in the League Cup on Tuesday, making an impact after being introduced as a second-half substitute.

However, Rossiter is aware that he has some work to do before he will be in a position to become a starting choice for Warburton. 

"In training every day I have to improve and I have a long way to go before I am a first-team regular," he admitted.The Herald: Jordan Rossiter (2nd from right) prepares to make his debut

"I just need to keep my head down working and hopefully I will get a chance in the future to really show what I can do.

"The competition is massive, it is good for the team and we are all working to the same end goal this season and that is to finish as high up the league as possible. Competition for places is only going to help that.

"I don't add anything massively different, we are a team, we are working together and I like to get about the pitch.

"I like to work hard, get my tackles in and get the team playing and the other players bring a lot to the team as well.

"Rangers are just as big a club as Liverpool and I want to come up here and try and get as many minutes as I can."

The Gers have added experience to their midfield this summer with the additions of Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar, who Rossiter is delighted to be playing and training alongside.

"Joey is a brilliant player; he has been great to me and really helped me out since I've been here," said the 19-year-old.

"He has played at the top level for years and the likes of Kranjcar and also Andy Halliday can help me out and bring me on.

"They are always there for advice but it is more watching them on the training field and around the training ground. That is where you learn the most.

"They are massive players in the game with big personalities which is the same as Steven Gerrard in the past but that is what you need in a dressing room and it will only help us."