Rangers boss Steven Gerrard impressed with duo’s Ibrox showings.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has told the club’s official website he was especially pleased with two of the club’s new signings’ performances in Sunday’s friendly.
The Gers easily beat Oxford United, winning 5-0 in front of a packed Ibrox.
Jermain Defoe, Greg Stewart, Daniel Candeias, Lewis Mayo and Sheyi Ojo scored the goals.
In addition to the goalscorers, new signings Jake Hastie and Joe Aribo caught Gerrard’s eye.
Gerrard said: “I thought Jake [Hastie] was very good today, I thought [Joe] Aribo was very strong and you can see he is a very powerful runner.”
Gerrard did qualify his comments by saying he thought ‘none’ of the new players were quite ready yet in terms of fitness.
This means they are unlikely to play prominent roles in the Europa League qualifiers, at least as starters.
Sunday’s game was a positive sign for Rangers, just getting Aribo and Hastie used to playing at Ibrox is important, and the quicker they each adapt, the more chances they will get when the season starts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
