RANGERS legend Ally McCoist expects Steven Gerrard to take the managerial reins at Liverpool one day - but warned the Ibrox boss that he will need to win silverware before he can seal an emotional return to Anfield.

Gerrard spent the vast majority of his playing career at the Premier League giants before being taking charge of the English giants' Academy squad as he took his first steps in management.

An eventual return to his boyhood club one day as manager is seen by some as an inevitability due to the strong ties the Rangers boss has with his old team.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Will Rangers go the whole Premiership season unbeaten? Our readers have their say

McCoist reckons that's a shoe-in to happen one day but believes Gerrard will have to win trophies in Scotland first to show his worth.

And with the Govan outfit closer than ever before to securing a first top-flight title since 2011, McCoist sees parallels between the work that Gerrard has done at Ibrox and Jurgen Klopp's transformation of Liverpool.

McCoist told the Scottish Sun: "I’ve never asked Steven this, but most people would accept his natural progression would be to manage Liverpool one day.

"To achieve that he must be successful at Rangers - that means winning trophies.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Ex-EPL referee has his say on Celtic's Nir Bitton red card, Shane Duffy's Kent challenge and Morelos on Frimpong

"Celtic dominated for a decade and credit to them for that. Even though a lot of their titles were won when Rangers were fighting their own problems down the divisions. But Rangers are back now.

 "The first trophy is always the hardest to win but when they do, Gerrard will really be off and running.

"Klopp was given time to get it right at Liverpool and it took three seasons to win his first trophy, the Champions League success in 2019.

"Similarly, this is Steven’s third season at Rangers and it is crunch time now.

"It’s ridiculous to think he’d be under pressure if he does not win anything this season, considering the progress Rangers have made.

"But I know from experience you must deliver major trophies if you wish to remain Ibrox manager, otherwise you’re heading for the exit.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Rangers can be INVINCIBLES, insists Ibrox hero Peter Lovenkrands

"Like Liverpool did with Klopp, Rangers’ board has shown faith in Steven after two seasons without a trophy, and the reward is an outstanding season at home and in Europe — so far."

He added: "I’m sure many people see Steven as the eventual successor to Jurgen at Liverpool I’m also sure Liverpool and Steven would like to see that happen.

"But right now he isn’t going to get better experience in terms of a high- pressure, high-profile role than being the manager of Rangers."