STEVEN GERRARD has backed winger Glenn Middleton to push for a starting spot sooner rather than later at Ibrox.

The 18-year-old came off the bench to score his first Light Blues goal in the 4-0 win over Dundee on Saturday.

Middleton has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the Gers ranks and boss Gerrard is delighted with his progression.

He said: “We don’t want Glenn to just be an impact player, we want him to be a player here for many years who is a starter but there’s still a lot of development to come from him.

“The goal should do wonders and I thought his performance started when he scored.

“He was on the periphery but when he scored that gave him the confidence to play and go for the jugular.

“Pleased for him and he’s got to be ready because there’s a start round the corner.”