Serge Atakayi reveals the Rangers promise Steven Gerrard made before loan exit

Steven Gerrard has told Rangers starlet Serge Atakayi he's part of his plans for next season after sending him to Finland on loan to get game time.

The 19-year-old made his Ibrox debut earlier this season as a sub in a 7-1 Premiership demolition of Motherwell.

And he's been farmed out to Finnish top flight club SJK until June, with the Seinajoki outfit managed by former Kilmarnock star Alexei Eremenko's father.

Atakayi was called up by DR Congo last month - the country he fled nine years to seek asylum in Finland - and is looking forward to get some game time at a club.

Serge Atakayi and Richard Tait in action (SNS Group)

He said: "I came to SJK because I need some playing time.

"Rangers saw this as the best solution for me. Steven Gerrard has told me he thinks I can play for the first team next season.

"I spoke to Rangers and told them I wanted to sign for SJK because Alexei Eremenko is like a father to me.

(SNS Group)

"Many Finnish clubs wanted me, but I think the style of football they play here is attractive and I can't wait to play here."

Eremenko said: "I gave Sergei his debut when I was manager of Jaro.

"I have watched him play for Rangers too and he has hugely improved as a player.

"He is a very ambitious player and we can help him take the next step in his career."