STEVEN GERRARD has urged his Rangers squad to prove they are leadership material before he names his Ibrox skipper this summer.
The Liverpool legend has spent recent days putting his side through their paces at their Spanish training camp as he steps up his preparations for the new campaign.
Rangers will discover their opponents for the Europa League first qualifying round this afternoon and the clock is ticking towards the opening action on July 12.
James Tavernier wore the armband for most of the season as Lee Wallace spent several months out of action through injury.
But Gerrard has yet to announce who will lead the Light Blues going forward as he looks for more players to stand up and be counted this term.
He said: “All over the park you need leadership and you need leadership off the park.
“Having chats with the staff, in all the departments, I have told them I want them all to be leaders and all understand why we are here.
“We are here for this club and to get the best out of these players. We are a support network for these players and we need to make sure they get the right service in all departments.
“Leadership is about on the pitch, but it is just as important off it. I need as many leaders as I can get in the 11 and in the squad.
“When I am ready [I will name a captain]. When I see that standout guy who can be the captain of this club. I see it as a very important role.”
The role of captain was one that Gerrard fulfilled with distinction for club and country during his glittering career at the top of the game with Liverpool and England.
He will now have to lead by example from the dugout as he takes his first steps into management with Rangers in the coming months.
And the 38-year-old reckons his experience as a player will benefit him when it comes to handling the demands of life on the front line at Ibrox.
He said: “I hope it helps but there is no getting away from it that it is different.
“As a player, you are one of a squad. As a manager, it is you and your staff.
“It is going to be different and I accept it is going to be different but in terms of the spotlight and the goldfish bowl, I am used to that from being at Liverpool and having the rivalry in the city and the banter from two sets of supporters.
“I am used to that. I am looking forward to it. I am quite thick skinned when it comes down to the bits and bobs.”
Gerrard has added six players to his squad already this summer and has spent recent days putting the Gers through their paces at their pre-season camp in Spain.
Gerrard admitted last week that he is targeting reinforcements across the park and former Liverpool team-mate Jon Flanagan is one name under consideration to add to his defensive options.
The right-back is currently a free agent following his departure from Anfield this summer and is on Gerrard’s extensive list of targets as he bids to bolster his Light Blues ranks.
The 25-year-old was handed a community service order in January after being convicted of assaulting his girlfriend.
Liverpool condemned Flanagan ‘in the strongest possible terms’ and he spent the second half of the season on loan with Championship side Bolton.
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