ENGLAND legend Glenn Hoddle insists that time must make up for a lack of money if Steven Gerrard is to make his mark at Rangers.

Hoddle, the former England, Chelsea and Spurs manager, believes Gerrard has his work cut out trying to close the gap to Premiership champions Celtic next season.

And Hoddle (below) is adamant Gerrard and assistant Gary McAllister will need the security of a long-term plan if they are to bring success.

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He said: “I don’t know if it will be too much for him, but it’s a tough job.

“Let’s be fair, to catch up to Celtic is going to take time. It’s not going to happen in one season or two seasons.

“It needs money, and if they’re not going to give him the money he needs time.

“There’s money and it’s shorter-term, and if not then four or five years to improve those young players.”

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Rangers chairman Dave King has revealed he is set to launch a share issue that could raise the club £6 million and, although he says he cannot put a figure on it, has promised the club will continue to be a “net investor” in the squad.

However, Hoddle, who became player-manager at Swindon Town in 1991 at the age of 33, admits no amount of money can make up for the lack of experience Gerrard will have when he takes over.

Hoddle added to BT Sport: “I went in at Swindon and I learned on the job, but if you go in at a Rangers learning on the job, it is very difficult. It can spank you in the face.

“You have to learn all those things and fortunately we were successful at Swindon and it was a stepping stone to Chelsea.”