Gerrard satisfied with Helsinki run out for Defoe and Davis

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard feels Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis will benefit from their Ibrox run-out after the new signings played 45 minutes of a 3-2 friendly win over HJK Helsinki.

The game afforded Gerrard the opportunity to get his players some much-needed game time after Friday’s William Hill Scottish Cup tie at Cowdenbeath was postponed.

Gerrard made 11 changes at half-time and saw his side overcome striker Alfredo Morelos’ former team thanks to goals from Scott Arfield, Nikola Katic and Daniel Candeias  in front of 21,224 fans.

Gerrard told Rangers TV: “My initial plan was to go strong against Cowdenbeath and then give people more minutes. With that game getting called off it was important to play two teams and make sure everyone got 45 minutes into their system.

“We had a really tough session (Saturday) so I can accept them being a yard off. I thought we were a little bit late in the press and a little bit weak in the tackle.

“Jermain and Steven would have started the game on Friday against Cowdenbeath so it is great for them to get a feel for Ibrox, again in Steven’s case.

“To get 45 minutes in the bank, when they haven’t played much football of late, will do them the world of good.”