You play better when angry – Gerrard tells Joe Aribo

Rangers coach Steven Gerrard has praised Nigeria international Joe Aribo for his performance in the 2-0 win over Brondby in the Europa League at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday night.

Another Nigerian Leon Balogun had put Rangers ahead in the 18th minute before Kemar Roofe scored the second later on in the first half. However, 25-year-old Aribo was outstanding all night and was singled out for praise by Gerrard.

“I never said stand up and be counted, I think he [Aribo] always gives you that. He is a great kid, he wants to learn, he wants to grow,” Gerrard told BT Sport.

“What I have said to Joe [Aribo] is you are a much better player when you play angry in a nice way, flex your muscles.

“I thought his first 45-minute performance [on Thursday night] was outstanding, that is probably the reason why he tired a little bit, but he has played a lot.”

The Nigerian midfielder has started all nine of Rangers games in the Scottish Premiership this season, helping the side stay top of the standings.

In their Europa League group, Rangers are third – six points behind leaders Lyon, who have won all three of their matches.