Legends’ praise is a timely boost for injured Aribo

Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo

Joe Aribo isn’t really the type to go fishing for compliments.

But he’s delighted that two legends of Scottish football have been praising his performances. Former Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher believes the midfielder can be a very influential figure for Rangers this season.

And ex-ibrox hero Brian Laudrup believes Aribo is the man who makes the Light Blues tick, and Steven Gerrard could do with another like him. The 24-year-old had made a bright start to the season before an ankle injury sidelined him.

His creativity was missed in last Sunday’s goalless draw at Livingston.

“It’s always good to hear comments and praise from people I watched growing up,” said Aribo. “Funnily enough, I supported Manchester United growing up, and enjoyed watching Darren Fletcher.

“He was a main player in the team I liked.

“And I’m aware of Brian Laudrup’s standing at Rangers. Hearing praise from him is amazing.” The Nigerian international says there was no secret to his flying start, although he concedes that he’s now feeling more comfortable in his surroundings. He made a big jump when he came from League One Charlton Athletic to Ibrox last summer.

He went on: “The way I play, it’s a normal thing for me to create on the pitch.

“I don’t think anything has changed, really. I’m a player that likes to open the door, to open defences and move people about.

“That’s normal for me. But it’s nice having that feeling that I have to be one of the men to do it. I’m going to thrive on that.

“I don’t think it puts any extra responsibility on me. But I’m not one to go hiding, so it’s very good pressure to have.

“We have other players here that can also provide that creative spark.

“In every game, I want to show my talent, and if that means I have to provide that spark, that’ll be the case.

“The manager definitely wants me to add more goals to my game this season.

“I want to be hitting the double-figures as a minimum.

“We need to share the goals more as a team. Our midfielders have to add goals to our game this season.

“There is a part of me feeling more established now because I have had my year of learning. “I’ve been around the gaffer and the staff. I take lots from them in every session, day in, day out. Rangers next game sees them on Hamilton Accies’ artificial pitch. Aribo admits Rangers can’t get too caught up in debates about the surface.

He said: “It’s a very hard league to adapt to because one week you are on grass, the next week you are on a plastic pitch.

“But you can’t use that as an excuse.

“You need to deal with what you have and we know what we will face.”