Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has expressed his deep admiration for Joe Aribo, hailing the Nigerian’s technical ability.

The former Aston Villa defender said he was excited by reports of manager Steven Gerrard glowingly praising the 25-year-old in an interview with Football London.

Hutton said Aribo had been a slow burner at the start of the season, adding that the former Charlton Athletic man would come good, after watching his goal against Ross County.

“He’s (Aribo) that type of player who slows play down and then speeds it up. He can take people on, technically he is very gifted. His goal against Ross County was outstanding.”

“These are the levels he’s set himself. The bar is that high that he needs to consistently get there, which the difficult bit is always. He’s definitely got the ability to do that. I liked how Gerrard worded it. These rule-breakers, these mavericks that he’s allowing to go and be free, to express themselves.

“He wants Aribo to be that guy, to go and make things happen in the final third. We’re starting to see it now. It’s kind of been a slow burner in terms of Rangers this season. We’re starting to see signs of the form that they produced last season,” Hutton said.

Aribo is a key member of the Super Eagles preparing for the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier against the Lone Star of Liberia on Friday at the Teslism Balogun Stadium, Lagos.