STEVEN Gerrard has backed midfielder Graham Dorrans to play a big part for Rangers this season once he returns to full fitness.

Dorrans missed several months of his maiden campaign at Ibrox as he was limited to just 20 appearances.

And the 31-year-old has yet to feature this term as Gerrard’s side have made an impressive start to the season.

Dorrans was sent home early from their summer training camp in Spain and has yet to return to action.

But Gerrard is confident he can have a role for the Light Blues in the coming months.

Gerrard said: “He’s coming on, progressing. We’re hoping maybe in a couple of weeks he might be doing some part of the training with the team. 

“He’s frustrated at the moment, he’s desperate to play, he’s been in every team meeting that we’ve done.

“He didn’t have to be. He’s been at every game that he’s capable of getting to. 

“He’s watched every session after his own individual work.

“I see a player who is desperate to come in and help and contribute. 

“We know he’s a good player. We need to try and accelerate his fitness and try to get him up to speed as quick as we can because he will be a big help.”