IT is about medals not money, success not survival. As Steven Gerrard made the case to Jermain Defoe, he got just the responses he was looking for.

At 36, the striker has made his fortune and earned his reputation. His move to Ibrox won’t boost his bank balance considerably, but his status could rise once again if he can score the goals that clinches the Premiership or the Scottish Cup for Rangers.

Defoe wasn’t short of suitors in recent days as he prepared to leave Bournemouth but there was one offer that stood out. It was the one that Gerrard had put on the table.

“Rangers sells itself but I tried to say to Jermain about where I was at that stage of my own playing career,” Gerrard said. “For me it was about enjoyment.

“I asked Jermain if a relegation battle was right for him at this stage of his career. Was him not being guaranteed games right for him at this stage too.

“He is well aware of the size of the club, he knows everything about Rangers.

“He doesn’t drink, he’s a true professional, he loves his football and I just felt it was a match made in heaven to it was my job to sell the club to him and explain what we are trying to achieve here.

“I showed him how we are trying to play, how we are trying to evolve and he was super excited by that.

“The chance to win some medals, that’s what came out of his mouth.

“He wants the final chapter if you like to be successful. He has goals to chase and goals to score.

“If we create chances then he will score heavy, he is buying right into it.

“He’s not coming in to replace anyone he is coming in to enhance what we have.”

The deal for Defoe has been lauded by Rangers supporters as they dare to dream about a potential Premiership triumph in Gerrard’s first campaign at Ibrox.

The former England striker has operated at the top level throughout his career and now he has a chance to write his name in the Light Blue history books.

His switch from Bournemouth could prove to be the final one that he makes. Gerrard is confident it will a choice neither he nor his new striker live to regret.

“The funny thing for me is people mentioning his age,” Gerrard said. “I’m telling you, doubt this kid at your peril because he is a very young 36-year-old.

“He hasn’t played much in the last couple of years and he has a shape to die for in terms of how he looks after himself. He does everything to the letter so don’t be surprised.

“In terms of natural finishers he is up there with the Robbie Fowlers of this world.

“He is very similar, a player who only needs half a yard. He’s up there with the best without a shadow of a doubt and if he stays fit and healthy then I know he guarantees goals for us.

“We have been monitoring the situation for a while, I have the same agent as Jermain so I was always asking the question.

“Eddie Howe has been super respectful to him and to Rangers and we couldn’t have done this without his help.”

After leading his side to a famous Old Firm win over Celtic last month, Gerrard stressed the need for Rangers to build from their current position and not rest on their laurels.

The headline-grabbing move for Defoe is a statement of intent from the Liverpool legend and the return of Steven Davis has given a buoyant support another huge boost.

The Northern Irishman has agreed a six-month loan from Southampton and adds experience and know-how to a squad that must prove their title mettle.

“I remember playing against Steven Davis and he always gave me a tough game,” Gerrard said. “He’s a very clever footballer and even when he was playing against strong Liverpool teams he was someone who would always show for the ball and never hide.

“He always took responsibility out there and that’s one of the big reasons I want him here. I feel in certain games and certain situations we’ve lacked that bit of experience and that player to really get on the ball and take games by the scruff of the neck.

“He will be a huge help to the midfield and it’s a no brainer. We’ve done a lot of background on him and spoken to Michael O’Neill and players who have played with him and he’s in incredible shape for his age.

“We see him as a young 34-year-old. He’s fit, available and ready to go now. The two signings are big and when you think we’ve replaced Umar Sadiq and Ovie Ejaria with these two players I’m very pleased with the business we’ve done.”

That win over Celtic was the perfect way for Rangers to round off what has been an encouraging first half of the campaign for Gerrard’s side.

The 38-year-old spent time with his family in Dubai before heading to Tenerife to put his players through their paces at training camp.

The time away was more than welcome but the work has never ceased as deals have been done and plans have been put in place.

Gerrard said: “The hotel I was staying at had quite a few Rangers fans and it was nice to see them in such good spirits.

“I had the kids with me so it was nice to switch off and spend some time with my family.

“After the schedule we have had since the start of the season it was exactly what I needed.

“The players are all recharged too and we’re here now in Tenerife ready to work hard in preparation for the second half of the season.

“You can never really switch off I guess, but in regards to those two signings, a lot of the work was done before I went away.

“I speak to Mark (Allen) five or six times a day anyway and for the club it’s two fantastic signings.

“Having analysed the first the half of season I looked at where we could strengthen and what areas we need to improve. We felt we needed a bit of experience and a bit of know how.

“We needed something more at the top of end of the pitch to help with scoring goals so to get two players of that calibre I’m absolutely delighted.

“I’m very grateful to the club for the backing they have given me and also we are very grateful to Bournemouth and Southampton.”