STEVEN GERRARD insists Rangers won’t be bullied this season and will stand up to any physical challenge in the Premiership.

The Gers have taken four points from their first two league clashes with Aberdeen and St Mirren and head to Motherwell tomorrow aiming to continue their impressive early form.

Steelmen skipper Peter Hartley sparked controversy this week when he claimed it was ‘fun to watch’ Fabio Cardoso ‘weeping’ after Ryan Bowman broke his nose at Hampden last season.

A lack of physicality was one of Rangers’ main weaknesses under Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty and boss Gerrard has wasted little time in overhauling the Gers squad this summer.

The trip to Fir Park could be Rangers’ toughest battle to date and Gerrard has no fear his side will stand up to whatever an aggressive Motherwell outfit will throw at them.

He said: “I think we can capitalise on teams that want to bully us because, if their focus is on the bullying tactics, we can match that no problem at all.

“We invite that. We bring that on. When teams try to do that to us, it takes a lot of the focus off the football, and then we can capitalise on where they haven’t looked or haven’t worried about our strengths as a football team.

“Rangers won’t be bullied. No. It won’t happen

“Straight away [we addressed that]. Right down the spine.

“Get people in who want to fight and compete. It’s non-negotiable now at this football club.

“You have to compete. You have to earn the right. We would have to not turn up to be bullied. From what I’ve seen so far, I’d be very surprised if that happened to us now.”

Hartley could face punishment from the Scottish FA Compliance Officer following his comments that were widely condemned and the defender apologised on Thursday.

Well boss Stephen Robinson has spoken to Gerrard about the matter and the 38-year-old considers the matter to be closed ahead of another crucial clash for his side.

Gerrard said: “It does [add attention to the game] and I think Motherwell realised that. Steve has been on the phone to me.

“He left me a message last night and I spoke to him this morning. We’ve accepted his apology.

“We’ve accepted Motherwell’s apology. We are a forgiving club. I’m a forgiving man. I don’t want it to rumble on and add to unnecessary heat that’s going to come with the game on Sunday.

“It’s important we focus on the football and we go there and try to do a job. The kid has been naive. He regrets it. It was a surprise to me because he is a leader.

“Normally, leaders have to have responsibility and know what to say and when to say it. He’s got that one wrong, but we forgive him.”