Europa League: Ex-Rangers forward wants Super Eagles star deployed as target man

The Sky Sports pundit wants Rangers manager Giovani Van Bronckhorst to be bold in his selection

Former Rangers star, Kris Boyd has suggested that Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo be deployed as a target man in the Gers Europa League semifinal fixture against RB Leipzig.

Rangers held off the Germans for long spells in the first leg but fell to a late goal away from home.

With home fans cheering them on at Ibrox, a ground which has seen Rangers get good results in the Europa League this season, Boyd wants the Dutch manager to try out Aribo as the focal point of the attack.

“Alfredo Morelos has been out for a few weeks and he has been a big miss, but for me Kemar Roofe has been an even bigger miss, ” he told Sky Sports.

“When Alfredo got injured Kemar Roofe came in, so they’ve not really got an out and out striker. Fashion Sakala has played that role but it’s not really worked for him especially in Europe.

“I would imagine it would be something similar to the line-up that finished in Leipzig. I would expect Joe Aribo to come in up front and be that target man.

“When the ball came up to him (in the first leg) it stuck to him and Rangers got runners off of him.

“I think Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have watched the game back.

“He’ll know Aribo through the middle offers Rangers the best chance to get at RB Leipzig.”

After a tough start to 2022, Aribo is back in his best elements and has helped make an unprecedented progression in the Europa Leaue this season.

The Gers have also qualified for the 3rd round of the Champions League playoffs and will fancy a place in Europe’s biggest football competition next season.

While that target is still alive, there’s a 1-0 deficit to be overturned when Leipzig come to the Ibrox later on Thursday.

Aribo’s international teammate Calvin Bassey is also expected to retain his starting berth in the game.