Makeshift St Johnstone striker Matty Kennedy hopes to settle down permanently up front after hearing Steven Gerrard sing his praises.

The former Kilmarnock and Everton youngster had never played as a central frontman before being handed the role by boss Tommy Wright against Motherwell back in October.

But he has excelled in his new position since then, netting five goals in nine games.

Sunday's clash with Rangers was a further step into the unknown for the 24-year-old as he was asked to lead the line by himself.

Previously Kennedy had always had striker partner Tony Watt to work off but he did so well Gers boss Gerrard even picked him out for special mention after watching him blast Saints ahead just before the break.

The Ibrox manager – whose side hit back for a 2-1 win – said: "I was really impressed with St Johnstone. In the first half, Kennedy was really good, a top 45 minutes. He was a constant thorn in our side."

Now Kennedy hopes the ringing endorsement of the former England and Liverpool skipper will convince his own boss Wright that he should be given a staring role through the middle from now on.

He said: "I've only played striker a few times, maybe eight games now. Before coming to St Johnstone I'd never played there at all.

"I was up on my own against Rangers and that was also new, I'd never played as a loan striker either.

"The gaffer just said to me, 'Go up there, we'll try to get you the ball and see what you can do'.

"I felt I did well and I'll only learn the more I play there. It's definitely a confidence booster to hear Steven Gerrard praising my performance. I grew up watching him play, he's a huge figure in football so if he is giving you compliments you have to take it. There's not many better to hear singing your praises.

"If the gaffer wants to play my left-back, I don't mind. I just want to be in the team. But the way I've been playing up front recently, I think this is now where I want to play.

"With every game I've played there, I think I've got better and better. If Steven Gerrard thinks I can play up top, then who am I to argue?"

Kennedy was left deflated when Alfredo Morelos sank Saints with two second-half goals.

But he is convinced a repeat of their Rangers showing will be more than good enough to get St Johnstone back to winning ways against St Mirren at Boxing Day.

Ahead of that Paisley trip, he said: "If we play like we did on Sunday against the majority of teams in this league, then we'll win matches.

"It didn't happen against Rangers but we know that performance is good enough to beat most teams in the league."