Former Celtic winger Bobby Petta says Steven Gerrard taking over as Rangers manager is a positive for Scottish football, although he warns the new Ibrox boss has a massive task on his hands.

Petta was part of Martin O’Neill’s squad when the overturned a big deficit to claim a domestic treble in 2000/01, leaving champions Rangers and Dick Advocaat stunned.

He does not foresee Gerrard turning things around in a similar fashion, given the resources available to the Glasgow rivals right now.

“Bringing in Steven Gerrard is good for the league but he must have been promised a lot of money,” said Petta.

“When Martin O’Neill came in there was a small gap, but Gerrard has to bridge a huge gap now. He has signed a four year contract and the fans and the club have to give him time. They can’t just expect a change in a few months – he isn’t a miracle worker.”

Having someone with Gerrard’s strength of character is a start for the Ibrox side, according to Petta. On the evidence of last season, Rangers need overhauling as much in terms of their attitude as anything else.

“Gerrard is a no-nonsense character and maybe that is what the Rangers dressing room need,” he added.

“I think they were lacking fight in the Old Firm games.

“The fans deserve a lot more than what they have been showing. Because what they have seen is embarrassing. The players have to look at themselves and say ‘that’s not good enough’.”