Rangers striker Jermain Defoe is convinced that the club can achieve "something special" under rookie manager Steven Gerrard.

Last Saturday the Gers' arch-rivals Celtic were crowned Scottish Premiership champions for an eighth consecutive season but that hasn't put Defoe off staying at Ibrox, where he arrived in January for an 18-month loan spell from Bournemouth.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to next season," Defoe told Sky Sports News on Monday.

"I think it's a big year for us next season. Hopefully we can achieve something special. But I'm enjoying my time here, I've enjoyed it. Yeah, next season's a big one for us."

Jermain Defoe believes Gerrard can win with Rangers

Gerrard took over at Rangers in June 2018 and, while he never managed to achieve league winning success during his playing days at Liverpool, Defoe believes that he has what it takes to be successful in his first ever senior management gig.

"As a player he was so successful, won everything in the game and he's brought that winning mentality to the football club," said Defoe.

"I wasn't there from the beginning [of Gerrard's rein at Ibrox] but I can imagine when he stepped through the door, he basically just said to the players, 'I'm here to win'. You get judged on winning things and it's as simple as that."

Defoe admits that it was hard to watch rivals Celtic celebrate their league title eight-in-a-row at the weekend, which took them within four of Rangers all-time record of 54, but he is confident they can make their tilt at a ninth title a tough one.

"Obviously it's not nice when you see your neighbours winning the league. It hurts everyone at the football club. I've only been there since January and I know the importance [of it] already.

"So obviously the lads have a good break, two more games left, have a good summer, a good rest. But at the same time, you're back here and you know next season's a big year for us."