Andy Newport has been speaking on the latest instalment of the Record Rangers podcast, where he claimed Steven Gerrard can’t trust Joe Aribo ahead of this weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Scotland international Ryan Jack has recently been ruled out for the rest of the season after being told he needs an operation on a calf injury.
The 29-year-old’s absence has seen Steven Davis and Glen Kamara start the last four league games in a row alongside former Charlton Athletic man Joe Aribo, however, Newport doesn’t think the Rangers manager can rely upon the Nigeria international.
He said: (19:23) “Perhaps, you know, this is maybe a game that Steven Gerrard will have to sort of trust him (Davis), I’m not too sure that Aribo can be a guy that can be relied upon to keep the discipline that you need in this type of game for the full 90 minutes playing in the centre of the park.
“Maybe, maybe there’ll be a slot for Aribo again in one of these sort of wide number 10 roles, but I’m not too sure he’ll be one of the guys that starts say bang in the middle of the park.”
TIF Thoughts on Aribo…
Aribo has impressed for the Glasgow giants this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists and achieving an admirable 7.40 WhoScored rating.
Gerrard’s men have the chance to keep their dreams of a domestic double alive when Celtic make the short trip across Glasgow on Sunday, but it remains to be seen whether Aribo will feature from the off.
The Rangers manager may decide to opt with the less offensive Scott Arfield for the visit of the Hoops, although their recent form may give Gerrard the confidence to make a bolder selection.
In other news: Pundit claims Rangers’ Glen Kamara deserves ‘stronger punishment’