Joe Aribo has been told it is time he started pulling the trigger more - like sharp-shooter boss Steven Gerrard.
Former Rangers ace Alex Rae was delighted to see the Ibrox playmaker hit the target during Sunday’s Highlands romp against Ross County.
The silky former Charlton midfielder grabbed the first goal in Gers’ 4-2 win as he opened his account for the new season.
But Rae reckons Aribo - who struck eight times last term - needs to move into double figures this year if he is to take his game to the next level.
And he urged the 25-year-old Nigeria international to take inspiration from Ibrox boss Gerrard and his former Liverpool sidekick Gary McAllister.
Rae said: “Aribo should be looking to hit double figures this season with the amount of entries into the final third he’s making.
“His feet are incredible but I’d love to see him be more selfish and pull the trigger more.
“We saw him score a fantastic goal on Sunday but I want more of that.
“I think it would help his development if he took on more shots.
“You need to set the bar high and I think the advanced midfielders in this Rangers side should all be chipping in with more goals.
“I can also help you break sides down because if teams are worried about you shooting from distance they feel they have to rush out to close you down and that can leave the gaps we saw Glen Kamara exploit for Alfredo Morelos’ goal at the weekend.
“Just look at Steven Gerrard and Gary Mac during their playing days. They needed no second invitation to take a pop at goal from the edge of the box and I think the current midfielders at ibrox should all be looking to do the same.”
Nathan Patterson was left on the bench in Dingwall as news broke Gers had turfed out a £5million bid from Everton.
But Rae reckons the 19-year-old should be in no rush to leave.
He said: “It’s very early for Nathan but the fact these big clubs are showing an interest just shows you where the boy is at.
“He’s going to have to bide his time.
“I saw that with Alan Hutton during my time at Rangers. He had to wait for his chance when Fernando Ricksen was playing ahead of him.
“But once he got in and showed he could perform on a weekly basis, it was at that point Rangers realised they had a real asset on their hands and were then able to make a huge profit on him later on with his move to Spurs.
“So I’d be surprised if Rangers accepted anything near the £5million Everton have bid.
“Nathan just has to be patient - but he also only has to look to Calvin Bassey, who has been starting ahead of Borna Barisic recently. That should give Nathan and every other youngster at Ibrox confidence.
“There’s the evidence that if you do well, there’s every chance the manager will throw you in.”
