Steven Gerrard has stressed that he is "absolutely desperate" to officially start as Rangers manager on Friday.

The former Liverpool captain begins the first day of his four-year contract at Ibrox after being unveiled as the club's new head coach on May 4.

However, Gerrard has revealed that he will not be meeting the Rangers players until later in the month before a pre-season training camp in Spain in July.

"Tomorrow, June 1, is the day I have been waiting for and I am absolutely desperate to get started officially in my role as the manager of Rangers Football Club," Gerrard said on the official Gers website. "Just saying that excites and motivates me so much.

"Having already taken the opportunity to assess our Auchenhowie base and also facilities at Ibrox, we are focusing now on being ready for our first real challenge, a Europa League qualifying tie in early July.

"I must say that I have already had such a warm welcome from supporters across the world and this has served to confirm my belief that it's the fans who make this football club great. Everything we do will be for them. It's time now... let's go."

Rangers are yet to announce any pre-season fixtures in preparation for the new Scottish Premiership season and Europa League qualifying.