Kent netted Gerrard’s side’s second goal at Ibrox, playing a pair of neat one-twos before finishing coolly.
The 21-year-old forward was substituted 25 minutes from time, with his manager explaining afterwards that his decision was made with Thursday’s Europa League trip to Villarreal in mind.
“I thought Ryan was certainly Man of the Match while he was on the pitch,” Gerrard said.
“I wanted to get him off because I’m going to need his energy and going to need another performance of that level on Thursday night.
“He was superb and I knew the goals would come.