Nigerian international Joe Aribo has been tipped by former Rangers star Kevin Thomson to make a huge difference for the Gers when they clash with Leipzig in the second leg of their Europa League semifinal clash.
Rangers welcome the Germans to Ibrox Stadium on Thursday trailing 1-0 from the first leg.
The Gers will hope to turn around the deficit and hopefully make it to the final of the competition, where lie the winners between West Ham and Frankfurt.
Though not on the same level he performed last season, Aribo continues to be an integral part of the Rangers squad under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and has made 53 appearances across all competitions this season.
The midfielder, who has featured in all of Rangers 13 games in the Europa League, has been key to the club’s success in Europe this season, helping them get to the semi-finals for the first time in 14 years with three assists.
Speaking ahead of the crunch encounter, Thomson, who spent three seasons at Ibrox, is confident Aribo will come good for the Gers.
“With Alfredo Morelos and Roofe out injured, Joe provided that physicality upfront against Leipzig (in the first leg),” Thomson told Sunsport.
“His performance in the second half was brilliant under the circumstances.
“There is every chance he’ll be asked to perform that role again (in the return leg)
. The manager has faith in him to do that job, and I’m sure he will come up with the goods.
PUNCH/Nnenna.O