Rangers boss Gerrard lauds player who has ‘taken the shackles off’ ahead of Celtic visit

Add as preferred source on Google

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says key man Joe Aribo has ‘taken the shackles off’ recently and is ready to go ahead of the visit of Celtic [Herald].

Aribo was the standout Gers player during pre-season but he didn’t have the storming first half of the campaign he’d have been hoping for.

An ankle injury sustained just three games into the season saw him miss two full months of action and then a minor illness in November saw him miss yet more games.

It’s been difficult for the Nigeria international to find his rhythm as a result but he was superb in the midweek win over St Mirren and after three consecutive 90-minute outings in the league, Gerrard feels his 2019 signing is back performing like one of the top players in the country.

“What he has done in his last two or three fixtures is that he has announced to everyone that he is back in a good place,” said the Gers boss [Herald]. “He is really close to his best and he is smiling again.”

“In his first few games back I think he was a bit frustrated because his form wasn’t there because he hadn’t experienced that lay-off before. We had to get around Joe and tell him it was a process and that it took time to get back to your best.

“But without a doubt, he has really taken the shackles off of late and without a doubt he is a joy to coach when he is using all his attributes. For me, when he is at his best, 100 per cent he is one of the best players in the league.”

It’s a big billing from Gerrard for a player he has consistently spoken highly of since his move from Charlton Athletic.

Aribo hasn’t made a telling contribution in an Old Firm as yet and he was only fit enough for a brief substitute appearance in the 2-0 win at Parkhead in October.

The absence of both Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield for this fixture due to injuries, though, means the 24-year-old is near-guaranteed to start in midfield and as the Gers seek to stretch their lead at the top of the table, he has a major chance to shine.

Aribo isn’t the only player who has impressed Gerrard recently, though, with the Rangers manager admitting that working with one in-form attacker has been a ‘real eye-opener’.