RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard has warned Jack Simpson he will have to remain patient for a starting berth.

Weymouth-born Simpson, 24, made his long-awaited debut at Ibrox in the 4-1 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United on Sunday.

Along with fellow substitute Jermain Defoe, he tasted the action for the final 23 minutes with Gers 4-0 up.

But a late Marc McNulty goal denied Rangers a 14th league clean sheet in 15 home games this season.

Rangers are now three wins from being crowned champions for the first time in 10 years – with Celtic Park on Sunday, March 21 the likely venue for the title party.

Gerrard admits he cannot now turn his back on the defenders who have taken the Light Blues this far.

“We will have to see (if Jack will be more involved in the remaining weeks) as we have got the luxury of having centre-backs who have performed ever so well over the season,” he told the PA.

“We got Jack in early, which was a bonus really and we didn’t expect to get him in so early.

“There was no rush or panic or we don’t need to be forceful to get him in.

“Sunday’s game presented an opportunity to get him moving. He has been patient and waited for his debut and if we need to use him we will use him.

“He has to keep fighting for more performances from now until the end of the season and I am sure he will get them.

“It is very difficult to say to players ‘you are not playing today’ when they have been performing ever so well and keeping a lot of clean sheets and we have put ourselves in this position in the league and Europe with other players.

“I am not saying I prefer those players, but they deserve to play and deserve the shirt and Jack needs to keep pushing and be patient and wait for his moments to come.”