The unseen side of Steven Gerrard at Rangers that should see him return 'in a heartbeat'

Mark Hateley reckons Rangers are in safe hands with Barry Ferguson until the end of the season. But the legendary striker admits he'd welcome Steven Gerrard back to Ibrox in a heartbeat.

Ex-skipper Fergie landed the job of his dreams after being asked to steady the ship at his beloved club in the wake of Philippe Clement's sacking. The former Alloa, Kelty Hearts and Clyde manager will be in the dugout for Wednesday's trip to Kilmarnock, supported by trusted lieutenants Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor as part of a new-look caretaker staff.

The Treble-winning captain's short-term appointment gives CEO Patrick Stewart some breathing space to work through the potential 49ers takeover and lead the search for Clement's permanent successor. Gerrard has been installed as an early favourite to make a sensational return to Govan, three-and-a-half years after walking out on the club for Aston Villa.

Hateley worked closely with the man who stopped Celtic from winning the ten during his role as Gers' Business Development Manager. And the nine-in-a-row idol knows from experience that Gerrard would instantly command respect behind the scenes by unifying all departments - just like he did the first time around.

In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, courtesy of NewBettingSites.uk, he said: "I'm looking at the whole picture here with new ownership. I would have him back in a heartbeat. I worked well with him when I was working at the club, crossing between players and the commercial side.

"My job was in the football business and connecting the two. It can be a bit British, should we say, between the playing side and the commercial side. It's not an easy partnership, shall we say? But we did that quite smoothly because