JORDAN ROSSITER took a deep breath as he worked up the courage to ask a genuine Liverpool legend for some advice.

He was just out of school, an academy player with his local club and he picked out Jamie Carragher of all people for some words of wisdom which have stayed with him to this day.

The message to Rossiter from his hero was for him to be himself no matter what. These words stuck. This is why the 19-year-old took another courageous decision in May to turn his back on Liverpool and move to Scottish football and Rangers.

Rossiter came to the conclusion that if he remained where he was, and Liverpool were happy enough with that, it would have meant working within a comfort zone, earning a few quid while living at home, but realistically with zero chance of getting into Jurgen Klopp’s first team.

So here he is, living in a strange city while still a teenager, with no guarantee that he will be a regular for his new club. It certainly shows he is his own man, as a certain Red icon told him to be.

“When I was coming through, the likes of Jamie and Steven (Gerrard) were the Scouse lads that you looked up to because they have been at the top level," said Rossiter. "So you always look towards them. They put their arm around you and when they saw you out on the pitch helped you out.

“I remember Jamie was saying to me to always be yourself and don’t be scared to show your personality. Get on the ball and get your tackles in. That is what I want to do.”

Rossiter has bucked the trend somewhat. Most in his position would either stay at Liverpool or move to another English club. Scotland, after all, is a wasteland in a football sense, or so it is perceived down south.

The England Under-19 captain just wants to play and when he met Mark Warburton, David Weir and Frank McParland at the end of last season, they talked him into a move north. It seems to have been an easy sell.

Who knows what Rossiter can become? He was rated by many at Anfield, and most certainly within the FA where he has excelled in the England youth teams, so this might turn into a real coup.

The young man certainly talks a good game and while judging him on a substitute performance against Stranraer is a waste of time, he gives off the impression of being a serious professional who is at Rangers to make a name for himself.

“Liverpool is a big club but Rangers are just as big in the world,” said Rossiter but then so has ever player signed by Warburton.

“I had breakfast with the gaffer, Davie and Frank back in May and I knew then where I was going to end up. Walking in here, there are great facilities and there is the stadium. I am looking forward to it

"I made the decision myself to be honest. I think the manager can bring me on as a player and I want to do well for the club. It was a tough decision but it was made easy when I saw how big this club is. When you know you are leaving a club like Liverpool, and when a club like Rangers shows an interest, there was only one place I was going to end up.

“Everybody is different and I could have stayed in England, played 21s or been in and around the first team in the Premier League and been comfortable staying at home. I want to come and test myself at a massive club like this. I don’t think people down south realise how big this club is in Glasgow and around the world. You see it around the city and everyone loves the club.”

Well not everyone. He will learn that soon enough.

Warburton believes he might have a gem on his hands, which is why he made sure he spoke to the player himself in a bid to convince him that Ibrox was the place for the next part of his career.

“Jordan wouldn’t have come here to be a squad player, he’s very keen to push forward,” said the manager. “You saw the other night just what a talented player he is. He gets on the ball and doesn’t shy away, he reacts and has a real mean streak to him.”

Rossiter does like a tackle. That was evident in midweek and Rangers could do with someone who has that within his game.

“To be honest with you, with me being a young lad, I will play wherever the manager wants me to,” he said. “If the manager says play deeper or a bit higher I would be happy to do so.

“The last few years I have been more defensive than attacker. I just want to do a job for the team no matter where the manager puts me. I like a tackle. In Liverpool most players like a tackle. That is a part of my game.

“I know I am not coming up here to play every game. I have to work my hardest on and off the pitch to impress the manager and let’s hope I do so. It’s a big challenge and one I am really looking forward to.”