They are arguably two of the finest English midfielders of their generation.

Bryan Robson and Steven Gerrard - natural born leaders who were the ‘go to’ men at their respective club teams.

Respected by teammates and feared by opponents in equal measure.

Both also captained their country with combined cap count of 200.

The former Manchester United captain sees similarities in Gerrard’s initial foray into management to that of his own. He wishes his fellow countryman success north of the border but is frank at his prospects.

“When I was offered the Middlesbrough job the chairman [Steve Gibson] had a vision and he sold that to me. I couldn’t turn it down,” he says.

“The directors at Rangers would have done the same when they approached Steven. They wanted someone who would get Rangers back to winning trophies and challenging Celtic for the title.

“His lack of managerial experience has been well highlighted. Many felt the offer from Rangers was far too early and he would have been better starting off in League One in England where there would have been less pressure.

“But our own players don’t get an opportunity to manage at big clubs these days. The club’s history, stature is there for all to see. At Rangers you’re talking 50,000 fans at each home game. It was an offer he couldn’t turn down.

“Given where Rangers have been, it’s a fantastic achievement to get them to the group stages of the Europa League. A club like Rangers needs to be playing European football.”

In his first season Gerrard has led his team to the group stages of European competition. However, his main priority will be to prevent his former manager from securing ten in a row with Celtic. Robson feels the former Liverpool captain will struggle to stop their bitter rivals from making history.

“If he were to stop Celtic, then to say he would be legend at Rangers would be an understatement,” he continues. “But his chances are slim. Brendan Rodgers is a very good manager and the money Celtic have got in from the Champions League means that the gap is too big to close but Steven will give it a go.”

Since the interview was conducted Celtic have made their worst start to a league season in 20 years.

Their defeat to Kilmarnock has led to speculation on their manager’s future. They currently languish sixth in the table with Rangers occupying second place after a 5-1 mauling off St Johnstone.

Although the season is only six games in there are those who feel there is a realistic prospect of Rodgers’ former star pupil becoming the master.