Steven Gerrard is in awe of Rangers’ “total professional” Steven Davis

Steven Davis has been hailed as the “ultimate professional” by his manager.

Rangers’ veteran midfielder delighted Steven Gerrard with an outstanding performance in the 1-1 draw against Porto on Thursday night.

There were some who doubted if the Northern Ireland skipper could recapture the form that made him such a favourite during his first spell at Ibrox.

His manager, however, believes Davis has never played better, and is confident he will still be a top performer when he moves into his late thirties.

Gerrard said: “We were speaking about it as a staff on Thursday night, looking back over his career.

“He’s had some really strong international performances and played in the Premier League, but he must have been so proud of himself on Thursday.

“To go to a stadium like that, a stage like that – against a team who were in the last eight of the Champions League last year with the name and reputation of Porto – and run the game at 34 years of age, especially in the second half. He should be mightily proud of himself.

“He’s the total, ultimate professional.

“I had no doubts he could come here and do well, but he’s surprised me in terms of how robust he is, how available he’s been.

“He’s in terrific form.

“I’ve seen him in similar veins of form, but this must be right up there with the strongest he’s provided throughout his career.

“I have no doubt that he’ll still be doing this in a year’s time, because he’s in fantastic shape.

“He carries no body fat and his weight is as consistent as you’d want it.”

Gerrard is equally delighted by a player with much less experience of European football.

Rangers pushed the boat out to sign Ryan Kent from Liverpool for £7 million at the end of the transfer window.

The 22-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in his first game back, but is now approaching full fitness again.

He started in Porto and performed for 76 minutes – playing his part in Rangers’ stunning team goal, finished off by Alfredo Morelos – before being replaced by Joe Aribo.

His manager doesn’t believe the winger will be put off his stride by being the most-expensive man in the team.

“He’s a confident boy. You see the tattoos,” said Gerrard.

“I don’t think the transfer fee has given him any more arrogance or swagger.

“But the fee won’t be on his mind. It won’t faze him.

“You saw him on Thursday night – that’s his stage.

“He’s not ready yet in terms of being 100% match-fit, and being totally sharp.

“That’s probably a few weeks away, two or three games away.

“But if he can perform to that level when still only 80-90% sharp, then I am really looking forward to him over the next couple of years.”