STEVEN GERRARD has backed Cedric Itten to go from strength to strength this term after he fired Rangers to victory over Motherwell at Ibrox.

The Swiss netted twice in the win at Fir Park earlier in the campaign and produced an impressive showing as he scored in the Europa League success over Lech Poznan.

But his contribution here was arguably his most important so far as he scored the second goal in a 3-1 Premiership win that saw Rangers move 16 points clear at the top of the table.

Itten's close-range finish came in the middle of two strikes from Kemar Roofe as Rangers recovered from losing an early goal through Callum Lange to earn a hugely significant three points.

Gerrard said: “It was about staying patient and waiting on that one lapse in concentration from Motherwell.

“When it came we were able to respond. When we got ourselves level you could see the mentality change.

“What they were hanging onto changes and we got the second goal at the right time through big Cedric. Kemar killed it off.

“I was really pleased for Cedric, he showed real desire to get in there and score because at 1-1 the game was there to be won.

“He is really kicking on for us at the moment. He’s taking time to settle, he’s over here alone with his girlfriend and it’s been difficult for them both.

“It’s a big move for him, even more so during this Coronavirus because he’s not really been allowed to mix properly with his team-mates.

“He can’t got out and get used to the city so it’s been an even bigger challenge for him and we’ve been delighted with him.

“He wants to do well and he wants to score goals. I think the supporters can see what he’s all about.

“He’s a real handful and he’s got real quality. He’s only going to get better.”