Steven Gerrard on Aston Villa next manager shortlist as Rangers boss could face major dilemma

The Ibrox gaffer is under consideration following the departure of Dean Smith.

Steven Gerrard is on Aston Villa ’s shortlist to replace sacked Dean Smith.

The Rangers boss - who watched his side maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Premiership on Sunday – is on the radar for the Midlands club after winning the title last season.

Villa axed Smith after a run of five straight defeats which has left them just two points above the Premier League relegation zone and way short of their ambitions for the season.

The Villa hierarchy are now looking at potential replacements with Gerrard high on the list even though it’s far from certain whether he would leave Ibrox mid-season.

Gerrard would face a major dilemma if Villa made an offer and the club are looking at other options.

Denmark’s highly-rated boss Kasper Hjulmand has also been heavily linked as he has a close relationship with sporting director Johan Lange.

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Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has also been linked with the Villa post.

Meanwhile, Gerrard has warned his Rangers stars to put club before country as they head off for international action.

Gers face a huge Hampden clash in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final in two week’s time as they take on Hibs and Gerrard is determined to have his team at full strength as they seek to finally end his cup hoodoo.

But with 10 members of his squad preparing to jet out to join up with their national teams, the Ibrox boss is concerned they could come a cropper on cap duty.

Now the former England skipper has made it clear he expects them to report back to Ibrox unscathed after insisting that representing their nation is “not as important as the semi-final”.

Gerrard said: “For me, your bread and butter is all about your club. They have been told to look after themselves.

“We wish them good luck and wish them all the best.

“But it is about Rangers and they need to come back in the best place and ready for a semi-final that will be a tough game, but one we are certainly looking forward to.”

Gers warmed up for that showdown with Jack Ross’ side by hammering Premiership basement boys Ross County 4-2 at Ibrox.

Joe Aribo and Juninho Bacuna both impressed as they got on the scoresheet ahead of an Alex Iacovitti OG but it was the sight of fit-again duo Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack back in blue which had Gerrard purring.

On Kent - who marked his first start in eight weeks with a sensational wonderstrike to put the champions in front - Gerrard said: “He has come back in a top place. You see the difference he made from the bench in midweek against Brondby and I thought he looked really dangerous and really sharp.

“I thought he has built on that again, it was a strong 60 minutes and the goal is world-class, without a shadow of a doubt.

“We just need now to top him up from a physical point of view to make sure that he is really flying going into the semi-final.”

Jack was also back after an eight-month lay-off which saw him miss last year’s title run in and the Euros.

The midfielder was treated to a rousing reception from the Ibrox faithful and Gerrard said: “You could feel that energy, feel that appreciation for what he has given to this club.

“Ryan is the type of person that represents the fans on the pitch and I think you could feel that energy when he came on.

“He deserved that because he has worked ever so hard and he has had some frustrating days.

“He has been down. It is not nice being injured but he has put in a lot of sacrifice and lot of work so I wanted to reward him and boost him.

“Now the next two weeks for Ryan are super important so we can try and get him more ready and try and get him in and around the semi-final as well.”

It was another impressive showing going forward for Gerrard’s rejuvenated team but yet again there was trouble at the back.

Joseph Hungbo put County ahead as Rangers surrendered the opening goal for the fifth game running while Jordan White grabbed a late consolation for Malky Mackay’s Staggies.

Gerrard - whose team remain four points clear at the top of the Premiership - said: “The first one is offside. Very marginal but in my position I am always going to point a finger at that. Second one is sloppy.

“But, in general, we need to stop conceding sloppy ones and get back to clean sheets and being tough to play against. If we do and we keep showing that quality going forward it will be difficult to stop.”