Aribo backing side to handle a huge week

JOE ARIBO believes Rangers are mentally and physically ready to embrace a huge week that ends with an opportunity to grasp the club’s first major silverware in eight years.

The Nigerian international midfielder was restored to the starting line-up for yesterday’s 5-0 rout of Hearts that shifted Steven Gerrard’s side to within a goal of Celtic at the top of the Premiership.

A league visit to Pittodrie is next up for Rangers on Wednesday evening before they head to Hampden for Sunday’s Old Firm Betfred Cup final.

The double-header promises to be a stern examination of the obvious improvement within the Ibrox club, but Aribo feels their recent form gives cause for belief.

‘I think we are ready and we are showing that in our games,’ he said. ‘We just need to keep the momentum building and that is the main thing with us.

‘The plan is to make sure we only focus on Aberdeen, as we can’t look any further than that.

‘It is better to think that way rather than not focus at all and let the games slip by. You don’t want to be sitting at the end of the season thinking what you have missed out on.’

A single-minded streak was evident in the second half yesterday as Rangers chased down more goals despite Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent providing a comfortable interval lead.

The outcome meant Gerrard’s men edged a little closer to their title rivals, who had earlier racked up a 4-1 victory over Ross County in

Dingwall. This neck-and-neck chase for glory is a new experience for Aribo — and many others at Ibrox — but he insists it is one their squad is relishing.

‘We’re all enjoying it at the moment as we know what we need to do going into every game,’ said the former Charlton player.

‘It’s such a good feeling to be in and around things both in the league and in the Europa League.

‘This was definitely a good game to win ahead of the challenges ahead, as we knew we needed to get the right result.

‘We can now move forward from this and take it into the Aberdeen game on Wednesday and continue on from there. It’s all about keeping the momentum going.

‘In every game, we know we are never going to settle. If we can get another goal, then we go for it.

‘We know we need to keep pushing and try to get as many goals as we can and that’s what we always aim to do.

‘Every game is a must-win at this club and that is a step up for me.’

Aribo admits it is a benefit to have proven course-and-distance winners such as Steven Davis and Allan McGregor as colleagues.

‘There are a lot of experienced lads that I speak to and they are mentors for us,’ he added. ‘If we are feeling a bit too big for ourselves, they will put us back in our place.

‘I speak to Davo, he is good for me, especially in my position. And JD (Jermain Defoe) is really good and helps me out.’