Gerrard faces most difficult challenge in management so far

The legendary midfielder faces perhaps the toughest week of his fledgling management career, as he faces a tough away game against Hamilton in the league, a trip to Russia to face Spartak Moscow in the Europa League and a Scottish Cup semi-final tie against Aberdeen.

Gerrard will also have to cope without star striker Alfredo Morelos, who is injured, and against Aberdeen he will be deprived of the services of cup tied Kyle Lafferty, who would have been the Colombian's likely replacement. 

However Gerrard said: ''I've got a plan in mind. I'm not sure whether that will come out in the next couple of fixtures. We'll have to wait and see.

''But it's something I've had on my mind since I knew it was going to be happening. We'll see on that one, but yes, it is on my mind.'' However there will not be wholesale changes as Gerrard looks to build continuity in the squad.

He said: ''I've tried to change it at times, but that's to keep a freshness about the team and protect certain individuals who have had runs of games or are maybe feeling niggles.

''But there won't be a major squad rotation, because every game is just as important as the other.

''People will probably think Moscow and the semi-final are the two most important of the next three, but they're not.

''For me, Hamilton is very important. Our away form hasn't been as good as I've wanted.''