STEVEN GERRARD is delighted with the impact Connor Goldson has made on and off the pitch for Rangers so far this season.

The 25-year-old has turned in a series of impressive performances at the heart of the Light Blues’ defence in the opening weeks of the campaign following his move from Brighton.

And he netted his first goal for Gerrard’s side as he headed home a Borna Barisic free-kick in the 2-0 win over St Mirren at Ibrox on Sunday.

Goldson was handed the captain’s armband as James Tavernier was rested against the Buddies and boss Gerrard was pleased to see him lead by example once again.

“He’s a leader, he’s a huge player and we ‘re delighted to have him here for a long time,” Gerrard told RangersTV.

“He’s been superb both on and off the pitch since the day he rolled in and he’s a huge player for us.

“He’s the reason why we are looking so solid with his communication, his organisation and he is posting very, very strong performances.

“That is the reason he is vice-captain here, I trust him and I’m really enjoying watching him at the moment.

“I think we’ve brought people in here who enjoy getting clean sheets. I know Allan McGregor does and we have brought in two centre halves who love defending and stiffened the midfield up with some tough players as well.

“We’ve added the likes of Jon Flanagan to that and that’s the reason why we are looking more solid and the reason we are keeping clean sheets.

“We were very unlucky not to get a clean sheet against Aberdeen conceding so late on but I think where we are in terms of organisation and our defensive side and our shape we are looking really good.”