Steven Gerrard has revealed his pick for Scotland's Manager of the Year - Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke .
The Rangers manager was involved in war of words with his Killie counterpart earlier this season but that appears to be water under the bridge as he hailed the 55-year-old's work at Rugby Park.
Such was the Ayrshire side's form before the winter break there was even muted talk of a title challenge after Killie accumulated more points in 2018 than any other Premiership side.
And although Clarke's side have drifted back to fourth in the table, Gerrard believes the former West Brom boss is "pound for pound" the outstanding choice.
He said: "I think pound for pound, you would probably say Clarkie for Manager of the Year.
"To be on the same points as Aberdeen at the split with the difference in budgets, he has done ever so well."
But there were no such kind words from Clarke for Steven McLean after the whistler sent off three of his players during a turgid 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday.
Clarke was left furious with McLean and has demanded he never officiate another game involving Killie.
Referee Steven McLean gets steward's escort out of Rugby Park after 'worst performance ever'
He feels the referee is burdened by the fact his father Stuart was a hero at Rugby Park and reckons it would be better for all involved if club and ref were kept apart.
He said: "I went over and congratulated him (McLean) and told him it was the worst performance I had ever seen in my career - and it is a long career.
"He lost control of the game in the first half. He actually lost control of a professional football match.
"I think he feels the pressure of the fact that his father played so many games here. I really do.
"I have mentioned it a couple of times privately but publicly I am saying now, I think it would be better for Steven and Kilmarnock if Steven doesn't referee any more games for us. Quite simple.
"There are loads of referees around that can cover.
"It is a big family connection. Stuart McLean was a top, top player here. I remember coming to watch him.
"A good right-back, not quite as good as me but decent! He played over 400 games for the club.
"And I feel that is a big enough connection - and it is better for Steven."
