Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has waxed lyrical over defender Joe Worrall following his display in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Thursday.
Goals from Scott Arfield and Kyle Lafferty secured a point for the Gers in their opening Europa League clash, but Gerrard focused some of his attention on praising the 6ft 3in [Transfermarkt] enforcer following his display for the team.
Worrall, 21, is currently on loan from Nottingham Forest, and was handed his debut in this away clash seven months after his last competitive start – and Gerrard could not be full of nicer words for his player.
“I put him right in the deep end. He was in a sink or swim situation. When a manager gives you your debut away in the Europa League, against a side of this level, it was a big ask for him to come in and perform,” he told the Daily Mail.
“I thought he was outstanding.”
OPINION
There is no doubt about it – Worrall was definitely thrown into the deep end after being handed his debut in this clash. He could not have asked for a tougher start to the season at Rangers, but he has gone on to impress Gerrard and show him why he was right to pick him for this fixture. It was certainly a risk to pick a player who has not started competitively for seven months, but Worrall has certainly made a case for a regular first team spot with this display. Admittedly, he was a bit rocky at times, but he helped ensure his team of a well-deserved point in this European clash. It would not be surprising to see him make more appearances in the league from now on, even if that does mean that Nikola Katic is dropped to the bench. Nevertheless, Gerrard is right to heap praise on him in the way that he has – and this will only improve Worrall’s confidence going forward.