Cammy Bell lauded Joe Aribo on BBC Sportsound (29/01, 13:44) after his ‘unbelievable’ show of strength as Rangers faced Ross County in a tricky Premiership draw on Saturday.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side enjoyed a terrific start at Victoria Park with Amad Diallo scoring five-minutes into his Gers debut. But Jordan White and Regan Charles-Crook tested the Ibrox natives’ resolve with two quick fire first-half goals.
Rangers responded early in the second period with James Tavernier restoring parity against Malkay Mackay’s men. While Connor Goldson stayed alert at the back post to give Rangers the lead in the 72nd-minute when Ashley Maynard-Brewer only parried Scott Arfield’s shot.
Goldson’s header seemed set to prove the difference and give Van Bronckhorst’s Gers an extended lead to Celtic. But Matthew Wright tore the script up to capitalise on defensive mistakes in the sixth-minute of stoppage-time for a point.
Bell in awe of one Aribo trait shown in Rangers draw
Aribo provided the assist for Diallo’s debut goal with the Manchester United loanee turning home the Rangers star’s cross at Ross County. He also came close to scoring what would have surely been the winner in the final stages of regular time.
But while Aribo could not stretch enough to get on the end of Tavernier’s delivery, he had impressed Bell. The former Gers goalkeeper loved Aribo’s dogged work to carve an opening for Cedric Itten shortly after equalising.
Aribo dug deep to work to the byline and dig out a cross, which Ross County nipped clear just in time. His determination is likely a trait his Premier League suitors also like. The Daily Record cite interest from Southampton while The Athletic link Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
“Joe Aribo shows unbelievable strength,” Bell said. “Credit to County, they are putting their bodies on the line, but they are running their luck here.”
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