The two are among several new faces to arrive at Glasgow Rangers this summer.
Matt Crooks has admitted to Glasgow Rangers official website that it felt strange to sit next to Niko Kranjcar as the club headed out for their pre-season tour of the USA.
Crooks is one of several new faces to arrive at Rangers this summer as Mark Warburton looks to build a team capable of challenging Celtic for the title.
Crooks was one of the first to be secure as he arrived alongside former Accrington Stanley teammate Josh Windass.
The young duo were followed by several experienced stars in making the move to Ibrox, as the likes of Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar agreed moves also.
Kranjcar is a familiar face in English football and Crooks says it was strange sitting next to him on the plane but hopes the Croatian will help his own game to improve.
“Competition is healthy. If we are all pushing together in the one direction then it’s only going to help us as a collective,” he told rangers.co.uk.
“It was strange sitting next to Niko [Kranjcar] on the plane as I grew up watching him, but playing alongside guys like him is only going to improve me as a player.”
It now remains to be seen if Crooks can establish himself as a first-team regular in Mark Warburton’s side next season.
The raft of new signings at the club suggests there will be a stern competition for places as they return to the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers boss showed he is willing to give youth a chance last season though and Crooks will be hoping he can benefit from that faith next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
