KENNY DALGLISH insists Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will be fully focussed despite reports linking him with Newcastle.

The Ibrox manager is among the bookies' favourites for the St James' Park gig with Steve Bruce looking set to leave.

Dalglish admits Gerrard has done a "fantastic" job for Rangers, but he believes that he will be in no rush to move on.

Writing in the Sunday Post, Dalglish said: "The Toon Army are excited about the future, and there is a real feeling of optimism after the way things were for a number of years under the previous owner, Mike Ashley.

"Will they have Steven Gerrard in the dugout?

"Has has been fantastic for Rangers. He won their first SPFL Premiership title for 10 years in a crucial season, given Celtic were going for 10-in-a-row.

"He also made some huge strides in European competition.

"That is why he is being linked with Newcastle United.

"Right now, though, Steven will not be paying any attention to what is going on at St James' Park.

"His only focus will be on Rangers and Saturday's massive game at home to Hearts.

"They defeated Hibs at Ibrox last week, and there will be a real determination to do the double over the Edinburgh clubs, who have both started the season well."