And, crucially, Gerrard did not have any major scares about losing Alfredo Morelos or any other key players, after warning late last year he was prepared to fall out with people to keep the Colombian.

When asked what his business had achieved, he said: "It took the level up in training, took the quality of the squad up, it gives me better options, it gives me the chance to do different things

"And it's also given me a big challenge as well because everyone's fighting for places. I'm going to have to disappoint a few who won't make the 18. But that's all to benefit Rangers.

"It's very important we have a squad of 23 players, a strong squad, and everyone's fighting for the same thing, and that's to win football games.

"What we're trying to do is strike the right balance. We need players now who are ready now to deliver performances and help us get results.

"But we also have one eye on the future and try to bring assets into the clubs and bring in on good deals and give them the platform to succeed."

Morelos was linked with clubs such as Nice and Galatasaray and Gerrard is relieved his 21-goal striker is seemingly secure for another few months at least.

"You always have that situation where there's rumours and speculation about your own players and other teams maybe going to come in with a bid, but thankfully no respectable bids landed on the table," he said. "That's obviously a bonus from a manager's point of view.

"And obviously you want to get your targets done and dusted, which we did very early with Jermain and Steve. They have had a few weeks to bed in and they are looking sharper and fitter.

"And Glen was obviously one which was a possibility but Thursday we thought it wasn't going to happen. It was one that came alive at nine or 10 o'clock so it was a huge bonus and we'll use the next couple of weeks to get him up to speed and everyone should be now focused on the games ahead to finish the season strongly."

Kamara will not be involved against Ladbrokes Premiership bottom club St Mirren on Saturday but Gerrard is excited about working with the 23-year-old former Arsenal player.

"I love my midfield players who play with their head up, who look to pass forward and make things happen, and I like my midfielders to win the ball back and be aggressive.

"We believe we can help Glen improve and find the next level but the coaches he has had previously have done a fantastic job."

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