STEVEN GERRARD will leave Connor Goldson and the Ibrox board to to discuss the defender's future at Rangers as he reaffirmed his desire to retain one of his most important players for the long term.

Goldson is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is free to open talks with interested parties over a Bosman switch in a few weeks time.

The Englishman delivered mixed messages on his plans for next season ahead of the Europa League victory over Brondby on Thursday evening.

And Gerrard is eager for Goldson and sporting director Ross Wilson to find a solution that suits all parties when the timing is right.

Gerrard said: “I’m not concerned, I’m not confident.

"I’m not really over-thinking about it. Connor’s a big boy, he’s a man.

“Ross Wilson’s office is next to mine. Connor knows what I think of him from a personal point of view and how much I want him to stay here.

“At the same time, we have to concentrate on the football. So it’s important Connor keeps playing the way he is.

“I thought he was magnificent again [on Thursday] night. He was my Player of the Year last year and, for me, he’s got more consistent as his time’s gone on at Rangers.

“He’s a really valuable player for me and us and the club. So hopefully we can find a solution in terms of getting him tied up.

“I can’t really go any further in terms of letting you know how much I want it to happen and how much I want him to stay.

“But at the end of the day, I’m not Connor so I don’t know what he wants. I’m not the club and I don’t do the bank balances and the numbers.

“So, for me, I can only tell both parties how much I want this to happen and then it’s down to other people to try and find a solution.”