Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says Aberdeen’s Pittodrie is like a smaller version of Goodison Park

You might think Steven Gerrard wouldn’t relish putting himself in the firing line at Pittodrie for the third time this season.

Think again – the Rangers boss loves a trip to Aberdeen, because it reminds him of playing in a Liverpool derby.

Gerrard always relished a battle against Everton and he’ll get a flavour of that intense rivalry in this afternoon’s Scottish Cup tie away to the Dons.

He said: “It is more intense at Pittodrie. It’s a smaller version of Goodison, where the crowd are very close.

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere. On the two previous occasions I’ve gone up there, I’ve really enjoyed it.

“It’s an iconic stadium and I hope the players are looking forward to going back up there.

“The first league game this season we showed we could handle it for 87 minutes but then we lost our focus.

“The performance was really good after we went down to 10 men.

“In the last league game, we were dominant for large periods again.

“Thankfully, we got the job done and stood up to the physical challenge, which was pleasing to see.

“I’m sure it will be very similar this time.

“We are expecting to face a fired-up Aberdeen.

“If I was a player, I’d be looking forward to this cup tie. It’s mouth-watering.

“The last game was a hell of a spectacle, even if you forget the scoreline and the outcome of the game.”

Gerrard will warn his players to keep their discipline in the white-hot atmosphere of Pittodrie.

But he can’t rule out the possibility of yet another red card in this fixture.

He went on: “It’s very difficult to predict whether we can keep 11 men on the pitch. I’d never want to take the edge off one of my players.

“But it is something I’ll address before the game – that it’s important to be aggressive, but disciplined.

“We have to compete. But channel it in the right direction.

“It was a shame for the game to lose two players the last time. Scott and Alfredo had a hell of a battle that was great to watch.

“Hopefully all the players will remain on the pitch and we’re talking about the football and not refereeing decisions.

“Any official going into a fresh game can’t be influenced by stuff in the past. That’s not going to help.

“I’m sure the referee (Kevin Clancy) will have the experience to control the fixture in the right way.

“But it’s a tough fixture because both sets of players are fired up. That’s the way it should be.”