Ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard had some feisty run-ins with the press in Scotland and the now Aston Villa boss has been out snarling this weekend regarding Cameron Archer.
The Gers were one of a number of clubs linked with the England U21 international who spent the latter half of last season on loan on an impressive spell with Preston North End.
But amid much interest in Archer’s services this summer, Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard opted to keep the 20-year-old around for this Premier League campaign.
So far, the striker has been limited to two late substitute appearances in the English top flight and has not seen any minutes for the last five games.
With Aston Villa struggling in front of goal, a Birmingham Live journalist asked the former Rangers boss about the striker’s situation.
Gerrard snarls when pressed on Rangers-linked Cameron Archer
Sarcastically snarling back the reporter, Gerrard asked if the reporter had links to the player’s family such was the regular questioning about Cameron Archer and the Villa Park club.
“He’s only done one full session. Is he chomping at the bit? 100 per cent,” said Gerrard.
“You’re a fan of Cameron, you, aren’t ya?
Or are you a mate of the family? Something’s going on because you’ve asked me 25 questions this year and I reckon 19 have been on Cam Archer. You’re a fan aren’t ya?”
Things haven’t gone completely to plan for Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa so far this season and perhaps this snarky comment is as a result of the continuing pressure on his shoulders.
Villa are now unbeaten in three games but do sit 14th in the Premier League and fans remain unconvinced by the Liverpool legend.
As a result there is some pressure on the ex-Rangers boss’ shoulders but he has not been helped by a series of injuries to the likes of summer signings Diogo Carlos and Boubacar Kamara.
Cameron Archer is still a young player and it does sound a bit bold to suggest he could be the answer to Aston Villa’s problems so we understand Gerrard’s frustrations here.
But as proven north of the border, those off-hand comments to the press generally only come when things aren’t going completely to plan on the park.
Meanwhile, an £18m Belgian winger has shown Rangers the route to Liverpool glory in the Champions League.
Receive a digest of our best Rangers content each week direct to your mailbox
