Joe Aribo's former coach believes there's a lot more to come from him

The 23-year-old, who Rangers signed from Charlton on a four-year deal earlier this summer, has impressed in his short time at the Ibrox Stadium.

Aribo has played in all their games this season bar one, scoring four times in 12 appearances, and has even earned a call-up to the Nigeria national team.

Despite a tough debut in his first Old Firm derby against Celtic, he is proving to be an inspired signing for Steven Gerrard in their bid to topple the Scottish champions.

READ: Former transfer target persuaded away from Charlton move by Neil Warnock

Mark Fabian, Aribo’s former youth coach at Staines Town, told the Scottish Daily Record: “The great thing about him is there is so much to come. He’s come a long way but he’s still only 23 and will only get better.

“He couldn’t have picked a better manager to help him do it. I am sure Steven was a big factor in him going to Scotland.

“Steven was a wonderful midfielder and I am sure he will help Joe kick on again.

“I’m so proud to see him doing so well and getting a big move to Rangers. He’s always been so appreciative, and he texts guys like myself and Jim Wigmore at Staines with nice messages of gratitude.

“Whenever I’ve texted him to tell him how proud we are, he always gets back and says he’ll never forget what we did for him.

“That’s the kind of guy he is. We’re delighted if we’ve played a small part in helping him get where he is today.

“I’m sure there are exciting times ahead for him at Rangers.”

READ: Charlton new boy features in under-23s' defeat to Burnley

Fabian reminisced on his time with Aribo at Staines, where he was named the academy team’s players’ player of the year during a two-year stint.

The then-teenager would make the switch to Charlton before enjoying a four-year spell at The Valley which culminated in a return to the Championship.

He said: “Joe was a great lad, but his time keeping wasn’t the best!

“He was such a chilled out lad. He used to wander in late sometimes with a cheeky style. We used to joke and say we’d need to buy him a watch.

“In fairness, he used to come all the way from Camberwell, over by Peckham, which was a bit of a trek for him. It took a lot of dedication from him and by the end of the first year in the youth team he was bang on time every day – and it was clear he had talent.

“He’s a smashing boy, a real nice kid. More often than not, it’s difficult dealing with lads of 16 and 17 from all different backgrounds. There can be problems with attitude or whatever and you need to keep them on the straight and narrow.

“But there wasn’t a second of bother with Joe.

“You could tell he was just a humble lad, willing to work hard and improve every single day. He was always wanting to learn.”

READ: Charlton youngster goes out on loan in search of first-team football

Fabian believes the young midfielder can cope with playing for Rangers, and insists the experience he got from the League One play-off final at Wembley will benefit him.

The faith placed in him by his former coach is also shared by Gerrard, who said he has the “world at his feet”.

He added: “I know the Old Firm game didn’t go the way he or Rangers would have wanted but it would have been a huge experience for him and it will stand him in good stead.

“I have no doubt he will cope with the pressure of playing for Rangers. Joe’s got a great mentality and he’s played in big games in huge atmospheres.

“He played play-off final against Sunderland at Wembley last year and looked comfortable on that stage.

“He won’t be intimidated by playing at Ibrox every other week. The fans will take to him because he gives 100 per cent every time he goes on to the pitch.

“I wasn’t surprised when he went to Charlton, it was a great move for him and now it’s led him to Rangers, where I am sure he will do really well.

“There was a lot of interest in him in England so Rangers did well to get him.”