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Former Celtic defender Paul Elliott thinks Steven Gerrard has what it takes to be England manager.

The Rangers gaffer is currently into his second season as a professional manager. This isn’t a glaring weakness to the former Hoops star despite Gerrard’s second place finish. However, he thinks Gerrard’s side are dependant on Sunday’s derby result.

Paul Elliott backing Steven Gerrard

Elliott played an integral part in a much forgotten period of Celtic’s life.

The Englishman joined the Hoops in 1989 and was a much needed man in the heart of the defence. While Rangers were sweeping teams aside, Elliott was the surprise man in green keeping them at bay.

However, nowadays, Elliott is in the mindset that Gerrard can return the Gers to success.

He told the BBC: “Coming to Scotland has been a fantastic move for him.

“He’s a natural leader and management is in his DNA. I actually think he’s a long-term future England manager, potentially. I rate him that highly.”

Elliott added that Gerrard’s winning mentality is in his DNA. However, in his first season, the Liverpool legend watched the Hoops scoop every trophy to play for in the country for a third consecutive year.

Furthermore, Elliott has left the door open for Rangers to fall like a stack of cards.

Celtic result can hurt Rangers’ progression

Elliott believes Rangers’ future season all boils down to Sunday’s crunch derby match.

Neither of the big two have blinked yet in Scottish football and come into the game on form domestically.

Both have massive Europa League play-off ties to contest before the two lock horns on Sunday.

However, Elliott thinks a Celtic win will go against the work Gerrard and co are doing.

He said: “It’s about the psychology of it if Celtic get the result. The impact could really destabilise Rangers and take Celtic on to the next level.”

It’s far too early to say how the season will go even with Sunday’s match. But if one team blinks then it sets up a massive advantage for the other.