Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has said Paul Gascoigne deserves to be in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame after the ex-Light Blues star's nomination was withdrawn.

Gazza's nomination at the annual awards was pulled over "ongoing enquiries and concerns over the state of Paul's health".

Gerrard backed his "hero", saying he is deserving of a spot.

The former England skipper said: "Paul Gascoigne is my hero. A player I admired an awful lot.

"I bought the VHSs, the CDs, the shirts - all the memorabilia that comes with Gazza.

"He's my hero, so I'm disappointed for him of course. It's a shame because as a player and a talent and a man, he deserves to be in there.

"I don't know the circumstances (behind the decision) so I've got nothing more to add to it.

"But I'd just like to echo that fact that I love Paul Gascoigne and that's all I need to say on it."

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has said striker Kyle Lafferty apologised for failing to follow international protocol.

Lafferty pulled out of Northern Ireland's recent double-header and is unavailable this weekend for the Light Blues' trip to Hamilton after the Irish FA stepped in to invoke FIFA's five-day rule.

Gerrard said Lafferty has apologised for his late withdrawal from the squad.

He said: "It's a shame, he's a good player and has been in good form.

"We respect what has gone in, he hasn't followed the protocol and hasn't done the right things."

"His punishment is he misses Sunday.

"I support him, I always support my players 100 percent. He's come in and apologised, we respect the punishment Northern Ireland have given him and we move on.

"It's an opportunity for someone else on Sunday."

After talks with national team boss Michael O'Neill, Lafferty remains available for Northern Ireland selection.

Gerrard, who revealed his frustration at Lassana Coulibaly's late return from international duty, added: "I hope he continues because I think he still has a lot to offer on the international scene.

"When I've seen him play for Northern Ireland he looks like he loves it."