SAM Allardyce says Steven Gerrard’s move to Aston Villa is “a great challenge” for the former Liverpool man.

Gerrard left Rangers, where he spent three years, to return to the Premier League and succeed Dean Smith at Villa Park.

Allardyce has been impressed with what Gerrard has achieved since taking charge at Ibrox and says he has proven himself as “a quality manager”.

When asked if he was surprised by the appointment, Allardyce said: “Not really. I’m sure that when you’re on top of your game and when you’re doing well at that particular time and bigger jobs come up, or deemed as bigger and better jobs come up, you’ll be in the frame.

“Timing is very important sometimes when you’re changing or moving on as a football club, so I’m not surprised.

“I think it’s a great challenge for Steven Gerrard and he’s proven himself to be a quality manager at Rangers - I don’t think there’s any doubt about that, the way he’s handled it.” 

Smith took charge at Villa Park back in October 2018 and led the club to promotion back to the Premier League.

Allardyce felt Smith’s sacking was harsh and insists he needed time following Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City.

He added: “What he did at Aston Villa in such a short period of time and having to lose one of the best players in Europe, if not in the world, and losing Jack is a big thing to replace.

“You need probably three players to replace him, because you’re never going to get another Jack, so you probably need three quality players to add to Aston Villa’s squad.

“And then a few injuries at the wrong time and you really need a bit of patience from your owners, but obviously that wasn’t to be.

“He’s a staunch born and bred Aston Villa fan, so it will be hurting him deeply what’s happened to him. But we have to accept it today and we have to take it on the chin and move on.” 

Allardyce is back at the UniBol for Gethin Jones’ MND appeal and will manage a Bolton All Star XI against Ian Evatt’s current squad on Sunday afternoon (KO 1pm).

The game is taking place to raise funds for Gethin’s mum, Karen, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.

Tickets are available to purchase here and are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.