STEVEN GERRARD has backed Ryan Kent to take his game to another level as he strives for further improvement at Rangers this season.

The Englishman netted his sixth goal of the campaign during the 4-0 win over Aberdeen on Sunday as Rangers extended their lead in Premiership the title race to 11 points.

Now Kent will be tasked with trying to fire Gerrard's side into the knockout rounds of the Europa League as Rangers prepare for the visit of Benfica.

At 24, Kent still undoubtedly has the best years of his career ahead of him and there is likely to be renewed interest in his services in the coming months after Rangers rejected an approach from Leeds in the summer.

Gerrard said: “As good as he wants. Ryan has all the tools and the ability and talent to go on improving and get to a different level, without a doubt.

“People judge Ryan on goals and assists and, of course, we do to a certain degree but we also judge him on his application on a daily basis. He’s in magnificent shape. He trains extremely hard in the gym and on the training pitch.

"He’s professional, selfless for the team. People often wonder why we have so much faith and why he plays a lot of games. It’s because – in and out of possession – he totally gets what we’re trying to do in terms of our philosophy.

"He does a lot of work that people probably don’t notice in terms of blocking lines and being in the right place in regaining the ball.

“He’s aggressive as a winger, which is rare. I’m a huge fan of Ryan Kent. He can go again, for sure, and it’s imperative that we keep him at this football club if we stay true to what we all want, which is success.”