RANGERS striker Jermain Defoe has hinted he will stay at Rangers despite Steven Gerrard's move to Aston Villa.

The veteran attacker was drafted in by Gerrard three years ago in January as a player to help fire the Ibrox side to glory. 

When joining he said from the outset the aim was to grab the title back from Celtic - and they managed that last season by securing the club's 55th league trophy.

During the summer Defoe's role was changed to player-coach.

He is one of a few backroom staff members who remain at Ibrox after Gerrard yesterday left Glasgow for the Villa gig.

Gary McAllister, Michael Beale and Tom Culshaw among others have all gone with the 41-year-old to the Premier League outfit.

But Defoe has hinted he plans to stay put in Glasgow despite his close connection with Gerrard, as he hailed his ex-team-mate and boss for the job he did at Rangers

Working as a pundit for tonight's England match, he told ITV Sport: "On behalf of everyone at Rangers I would like to thank him and his staff for the fantastic job they did.

"I wish him all the best for the future and I think he will do well.

"I know what he brings. Forget about Steven Gerrard the footballer, he's a top manager.

"He's a leader and he was always approachable.

"He left the club in such a good place and hopefully going forward we will continue to do well, and continue to win trophies."

Former Aston Villa No.2 Roy Keane assessed the move too.

He said: "It's a great club and a brilliant job. They have good players and just lost their way a bit recently.

"I think Dean Smith was unlucky but it's a great chance for Steven to do well there."