Again, Gerrard Hits at Nigerian Striker, Sadiq

Steven Gerrard has laid into Umar Sadiq again, warning him he needs to improve every part of his game if he is to get a chance at Rangers.

The striker joined on loan from Roma in the summer but has played just 27 minutes of football, and Gerrard hasn’t been impressed.

He admitted Sadiq is highly unlikely to play in the Betfred Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, despite Alfredo Morelos being suspended and Kyle Lafferty cup-tied.

It means the Rangers manager is likely to line up with either Glenn Middleton or Ryan Kent in the middle of a front three and now he’s issued a further warning to Sadiq.

Gerrard warned the Nigerian he has to “come to the party” when he was quizzed about the striker on Wednesday.

Now he has fired another warning. When asked about what Sadiq must improve to earn a place in the team, Gerrard said: “Everything.”

Rangers will play first on semi-final Sunday against Aberdeen and Gerrard admitted he was “delighted” his side would be getting the first go at playing on the Hampden surface.

He said: “It’s a bit of a unique situation and unique circumstances because ourselves and Celtic are still going in Europe.

“But in terms of having an opinion on it, or adding to anything that’s been said, then no I’ve got nothing to say apart from we’re really looking forward to our game, we’re first on the pitch which is a bonus and we’re in for a very tough test against a good Aberdeen team. It’s a really exciting game for us and our fans. We can’t wait for it.

“We haven’t got that problem (of playing second), we’re first on the pitch so there’s nothing to be said. That’s a question you’d have to ask Craig Levein and Brendan Rodgers. I’m delighted we’re first there.”