Gerrard 'fully focused' at Rangers despite Newcastle speculation

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said that he won’t get involved in speculation about a move to Newcastle United and is completely focused on his work at Ibrox.

The former Leiverpool and England star has been named as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to become next manager of Newcastle, after the club was bought from Mike Ashley by a Saudi Arabian consortium who are expected to spend a lot of money in pursuit of success.

There has been widespread speculation that current United boss Steve Bruce will be removed from his position soon, and Gerrard said he had nothing but respect for the veteran manager and wasn’t interested in commenting on speculation about his own future.

“I don’t really react to any sort of speculation,“ he said. “Especially when someone who I have the utmost respect for is sitting in that job that the speculation is about.

“For me, I’m in a very big job and a very big role here that I’m very much fully focused on.

“We’ve got a top of the table clash at the weekend and it’s a game I’m very much looking forward to.

“But I’ve certainly got one eye on Newcastle in terms of Brucie getting his 1000^th game. He’s a great character of the game, someone who I’ve got a personal relationship with and the utmost respect for, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get that 1000^th game. I think it’s a mammoth achievement so congratulations to him for the weekend.”

Asked about his thoughts on the speculation surrounding the manager’s position at the English side, he added: “I think the character that Steve Bruce is, I don’t think he’d want anyone to have sympathy for him or feel sorry for him.

“Sitting in this position I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to be speculating about my job so I certainly won’t be getting involved in any speculation towards his.

“I think it’s interesting what’s happening at Newcastle and if anybody deserves a break it’s the Geordie fans so I’m sure the excitement level is high.

“Anyone with an interest in the game is looking on with interest to see how that develops.

“But from a personal point of view, I don’t really get involved in speculation and I wish Steve Bruce all the best.”