Steven Gerrard's important message to non-playing Rangers stars

Steven Gerrard has spoken about how he uses his Rangers squad. Picture: SNS

As such, this season has made him make use of the squad at his disposal.

Nineteen players have made seven or more appearances in the club’s 18 fixtures so far this campaign as Rangers compete on two fronts.

Only three of the squad have featured in every single game this campaign – defenders James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, plus midfielder Scott Arfield.

Jermain Defoe has shown the importance of utilising a squad. Picture: SNS

A fine example of rotating was the 2-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox last month when Jermain Defoe started and scored.

Gerrard has also been aided by being able to use five substitutes in games to rest players or give more players minutes.

Ahead of the club’s big Europa League clash with Benfica this evening in Portugal, Gerrard expressed the importance of his squad and how he utilises them as and when he sees fit.

"I think everyone's professional in the squad and understands that you can only start with 11 players," he said. “The good thing is we can use five subs which is different from previous years. I understand everyone wants to play but I know my team.

"I'll reveal that tomorrow and I'll go with a team I think is capable of getting a result on the day. It's horses for courses.

"Just because you're not playing tomorrow doesn't mean I don't rate you and you're not a fantastic player. It just means that I want certain players, or I want a certain gameplan that suits some individuals rather than others."