Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Joe Aribo receives Rangers VIP treatment as Nikola Katic channels his inner Rocky Balboa - training camp latest

Joe Aribo strutted into Portugal and Rangers will be hoping their new signing will become their very own Magnificent Seven.

The former Charlton man didn't arrive on horseback but boss Steven Gerrard believes he's nabbed a gunslinger ready to fire the Ibrox towards a title shootout.

The latest signing is the seventh of the summer after Sheyi Ojo, George Edmundson, Greg Stewart, Jordan Jones, Steven Davis and Jake Hastie's arrivals.

Aribo might be new to Rangers but he knows the Algarve well. The 22-year-old was with the Addicks last summer for a warm-weather training camp.

The versatile midfielder was given the big welcome as he pushed the pace during an energy-sapping session as he looks to build fitness ahead of his side's upcoming Europa League qualifiers.

Gary McAllister and Steven Gerrard were on hand to embrace him as he took part in individual drills on another sun-kissed day in Portugal.

And he was also joined by a familiar face as Nikola Katic paired up for a sprint session. The Croatia U21 international enjoyed a decent debut season in Glasgow and appeared to be taking inspiration from Sylvester Stallone's iconic Rocky Balboa character.

(Rangers FC/Press Association Ima)

Katic was snapped busting a gut in just a vest - a scene which wouldn't look out of place in one of the fictional fighting icon's epic music montages.

And the similarities don't stop there. Katic is currently nursing a busted nose he suffered on international duty.

He might look like he's gone 15 rounds with Ivan Drago but the player himself is ready for the fight to the finish in a bid to retain his place in the heart of the defence with Edmundson's arrival set to add competition for places.

But it's Aribo's etrance that has supporters excited and the player looks ready to make an instant impact at his new club.

(Rangers FC/Press Association Ima)

He'll be desperate for a fast start but already has a fan in Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson, who believes Gerrard has landed a transfer gem.

He said in his exclusive Record Sport column: "I took a keen interest in how Charlton were doing last season because of Lee so I’ve seen a fair bit of the boy and he looks like the perfect fit for Rangers.

"He’s the kind of player they were crying out for last season – a guy who can add that wee bit of trickery in the final third.

(Rangers FC/Press Association Ima)

"He’s a creative No.10 with an eye for the killer passes in and around the penalty box but he can also get up and down the pitch.

"Along with the other new recruits it looks like an exciting squad that Gerrard is piecing together with a good mix of experience and energy."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.