Steven Gerrard has hailed Rangers 'role model' Fashion Sakala and insists there's much more to come from the Zambian after he scored his first goal for the club.
The forward netted the Gers' equaliser in their 2-1 friendly win over Real Madrid at Ibrox after just ten days of training following a mandatory period of isolation.
Gerrard admits he still needs to "polish the diamond" but has been blown away by Sakala's attitude since he arrived in Glasgow.
He told Rangers TV: “There’s still loads to come in terms of fitness and getting him up to speed and the information we’re giving him. One thing I will say is that he’s come in with an incredible attitude. He’s been an absolute role model to everyone where he’s come from in terms of his country.
"He’s been bright, wanting to learn and pick up every bit of information. He’s smiling, he’s enjoying it and he’s grateful to be here. He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with in the opening ten days but there’s loads more to come. You can see he’s exciting. We still need to polish the diamond but hopefully he’ll become the player we expect.”
Jermain Defoe's presence on the coaching staff should help bring the best out of Sakala and Gerrard is more than happy to bow to his former England's superior knowledge when it comes to being a penalty box poacher.
He explained: “It’s his main job, Jermain. That’s why we want him first and foremost as a player because he can still do those bits of magic himself and he’ll be a big help over the course of the season.
“But I’m no expert in the striking department, neither is Michael Beale or Gary McAllister. We can help and support but we’ve got an absolute expert around the box who’s done it for many, many years so he can be a help to us as a staff. That's why I want him alongside us.”
Cedric Itten bagged another pre-season goal and Gerrard admits he's been the best of his front players over the course of pre-season.
“He’s probably been the stand out attacking player for the most minutes," he said. "He hasn’t missed a training session, he seems more settled in the city now that he and his girlfriend can get about. You can see that in his performances. He’s scored three goals and he certainly looks ready.”
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