STEVEN GERRARD will rally round Ryan Kent in his hour of need as he backed one of his key men to recapture his form after a sluggish start to the season.

Kent lasted just 45 minutes of the Europa League victory over Alashkert on Thursday night as he was replaced by Scott Wright at the break.

The forward endured another frustrating outing at Ibrox and missed Rangers' only real chance of the half as he clipped the bar with an effort from inside the area.

Kent has so often been a match-winning presence for the champions under Gerrard's guidance but his position in the team has now come under threat ahead of the trip to Ross County on Sunday.

And Gerrard is eager to see the 24-year-old get back on track sooner rather than later as Rangers prepare for three crucial fixtures before the international break.

"I think that is a question you need to ask Ryan when he faces the media," Gerrard said when asked if confidence was an issue for Kent at present. "I am sure he will be facing the media in the coming weeks.

"I think it is clear he is not at his best level right now. But, as his manager and a staff, we will give him the support he needs to try and get him back in the best place as quick as we can.

"Ryan has been absolutely phenomenal for me and the club since he has walked through the door. It is very rare to see him when he is not in top form.

"But this is it, he is human, it happens. I had more dips in form than anyone out there, so I understand that.

"He needs myself, the staff and his team-mates to get round him and it will only take that one moment of brilliance or one big performance and he will be back in the place we need him."