‘I did find it tough’: Premier League captain recalls spell at ‘unbelievable’ Rangers

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Joe Worrall has told The Big Interview that he did “find it tough” on loan at Rangers under Steven Gerrard – but was very thankful for his time at Ibrox and described the Glasgow club as “unbelievable” after his loan in 2018-19.

Worrall, 25, joined Rangers in Gerrard’s first season at Rangers. He played 32 times in all competitions and while his form was somewhat up and down – he helped Rangers keep 14 clean sheets in the games he was involved in.

Playing in the Europa League under Gerrard, beating Celtic, Worrall has fond memories of his time up at Ibrox. Now, the centre-back is a captain in the Premier League having taken boyhood side Nottingham Forest into the top tier.

With 189 senior outings for Forest under his belt, it is fair to say he has improved since leaving Rangers. Asked about his loan spells, he looked back on his time at Ibrox with fond memories – but did admit, it was “tough”.

“My loan at Rangers, I’m so so thankful for. I loved my time up there, unbelievable football club. The size of it, Steven Gerrard being the manager was a massive pull,” Worrall told Premier League Productions show, The Big Interview.

I thought it was a prank call. He’s my hero. I loved watching him as a player, it was unbelievable to play for him. I did find it tough, a long way from Nottingham and I’m a big home boy. Massive learning curve at Rangers.”

Nottingham Forest skipper Worrall did ‘find it tough’ at Rangers

Rangers could do with him, now. The Gers have brought in Ben Davies from Liverpool, and John Souttar on a free from Hearts. But neither are managing to get themselves into the team under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Following the sale of Calvin Bassey, who played against Rangers in the Champions League this week, Rangers needed a centre-back. But surprisingly, it has been USA international James Sands that has been used regularly.

Having a player like Worrall, who has come on leaps and bounds since leaving Rangers to return to Forest, would seriously improve the Gers. No chance of that happening now, though, even if Worrall’s deal ends in 2024.