Martin says Joe will thrive in Old Firm heat
Russell Martin is delighted Rangers are closing in on signing Joe Aribo.
The Charlton midfielder is expected to become Steven Gerrard’s sixth summer signing after he completes a medical tomorrow. Former Light Blues and Scotland centre-half Martin has played against Aribo, and is convinced he will light up the Scottish Premiership. The 22-year-old was a key member of the Addicks side which won promotion from League One to the Championship last season.
Out of contract at the end of the month – and available to Scottish clubs for just £250,000 compensation thanks to a cross-border loophole – he was one of Gerrard’s top summer transfer targets.
“Aribo will be a brilliant pick up for Rangers,” said Martin, who now turns out for Milton Keynes Dons.
“I played against him last November when I was with Walsall, and Charlton came and beat us 2-0 at our place.
“He is a young player I really like, a natural athlete and a box-to-box player who makes some terrific runs. He is a decent height and physically powerful.
“Last season he scored 10 goals from midfield, and I am sure if he went north, he’d make a big impact.
“Yes, it will be a step up to go from League One to having to go up against Celtic in Old Firm derbies a few times a season. But I am sure he will not just cope in the environment, but thrive in it.
“We can see by the efforts Charlton were making to persuade him to stay how much they rate him.
“I think there were also English Premier League scouts going to watch him at various stages of last season.
“So there are plenty of people who think he can go higher, and, for me, Scotland’s top flight is a perfect fit.
“I say that because I think he is a dynamic type, who would do well in a league which is quick and very competitive.”
Gerrard has been busy in the transfer market, with the £650,000 signing of Oldham defender George Edmundson announced on Friday.
The 21-year-old joined Steven Davis, Jordan Jones, Jake Hastie, Greg Stewart and Sheyi Ojo, the loan winger from Liverpool.
It is a player push which Martin approves of.
“Rangers are improving all the time under Steven Gerrard, who looks like he will be a really good manager,” he said.
“In particular, the wins over Celtic were a big statement because they show the gap can be closed.
“If they can be more consistent in the games against some of the lesser clubs, there is no reason why they can’t win the title come next May. “The fact they have been really busy strengthening underlines their intent, and I am expecting a fascinating race for the Premiership title.
“Celtic will have their own plans as it is an equally big year for Neil Lennon, having landed the manager’s job on a permanent basis after steering them to the treble Treble. “You have to focus on your own business, though, and Rangers seem to be doing that well.”
Martin has an extra interest in how the two Old Firm bosses get on in the coming season.
The 33-year-old has just done his SFA Pro Licence course to move a crucial step closer to becoming a manager in his own right.
“It has been a burning desire of mine to coach for a long time now,” he said.
“I have done all my badges, and this is the next stage to being where I want to be.
“It has meant some sacrifices in terms of family holidays as you have to use what time you have available.
“But the effort will have its reward. “Having played for Scotland and in Scotland, I’d be happy to manage there, but I’m open to anything.
“It will just be a case of what opportunities become available.”