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New Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is relishing the prospect of going head to head with his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 37-year-old Kop legend has signed a four-year deal at Ibrox and will start work on June 1.

Gary McAllister will step down from his role as a Liverpool ambassador to become Gerrard's assistant and at least three members of the club's Academy staff will follow him.

As well as under-18s assistant Tom Culshaw and fitness coach Jordan Milsom, the ECHO understands that Michael Beale will also be part of Gerrard's backroom team.

Beale, who is currently head of coaching for the foundation phase at the Academy, previously managed Liverpool Under-23s before a stint as assistant boss of Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Rodgers has overseen a domestic clean sweep since taking over at arch rivals Celtic in 2016 and Gerrard will be tasked with breaking that stranglehold.

"I haven't spoken to Brendan recently," Gerrard said.

"But me and Brendan are fine, we always have been fine. I am looking forward to the challenge.

"When the call came from Liverpool with the opportunity to speak to Rangers, it was a no brainer from me.

"I got a different feeling in my stomach compared to the previous opportunities I'd had in terms of being a No 1 manager. From that phone call I got a special feeling and I knew that Rangers was for me.

"I weighed up the gamble and the risk and I have confidence in myself that I can deliver. There's a lot of positivity and ambition here which matches mine. I believe I can come in here and improve things and make these fans happy."

McAllister played alongside Gerrard in Liverpool's 2001 Treble winning side and they have remained close since.

"I have huge respect for Gary," he added.

"He ticks the box where I might not be the most experienced manager sat here right now but Gary has been around the game for a very long time.

"As a partnership I think it will be very strong - he will be a big rock and a big support for me. He's very excited, as soon as I asked him it was a 'yes' straightaway.

"The way he carries himself and the way he treats people, I learned so much off Gary as a human being and as a footballer. I couldn't ask for anyone better to take this challenge on with me."

Gerrard revealed he still has commitments with Liverpool and as a pundit for BT Sport this month so he won't start his first senior managerial role until June.

"I wish I could get rid of the next four or five weeks because I can't wait to walk through the door and meet the players," he said.

"I've been around a big football club for a long time and I've worked under big managers. I can't do anything about not having any experience, this is the only way to get experience.

"You have to believe in yourself that you have the right characteristics to take on a challenge like this head on. One day I will be experienced for sure.

"Pressure isn't a bad thing for me, I played under pressure and lived under pressure since I left school. In football, if you are working under pressure then you are in a good place.

"Since I stopped playing, I've missed that pressure of not fighting for three points on the weekend.

"I know there will be a lot of scrutiny and pressure but that's what I love about being involved in football. Bring it on."