STEVEN Gerrard has dismissed comparisons with legendary Rangers managers Dick Advocaat and Walter Smith and insisted he doesn’t deserve to be mentioned alongside them - because he hasn’t lifted a trophy so far.

Gerrard moved alongside Smith in the Rangers record books on Thursday night when he oversaw his 23rd European victory on an exhilarating evening in Flanders.

The Ibrox club came from behind twice in the Europa League last 32 first leg tie and triumphed 4-3 thanks to a last-minute Borna Barisic goal to give themselves an excellent chance of progressing to the last 16 for the second year running.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder’s side are currently 15 points clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership table and are set to win the Scottish title for the first time in 10 years in the coming weeks.

But Gerrard, whose side take on Dundee United at home in the league tomorrow, has baulked at being mentioned in the same breath as Advocaat and Smith, who has been a source of constant and advice and support during his time in Glasgow, because of his lack of silverware to date.

“First and foremost, I have nothing but respect for Walter Smith, Dick Advocaat and all the other managers who have gone before me,” he said.  

“But I don’t deserve to be in the same conversation as those managers because they have been successful Rangers managers. I haven’t. 

“We are really proud of our record in Europe and what the team have given. We want to finish this job off next week and then hopefully have a chance to go a step further than last year.  It’s always about trying to raise the level.  

“But when people talk about history and breaking records, it doesn’t really interest me although I have nothing but major respect for Walter Smith. 

“He has been fantastic for me. He’s been sort of an unofficial mentor. He was in to see me a couple of times before lockdown and I know he’s at the end of phone any time I need him. That experience for me is crucial.”