BlueMeanie
Well-Known Member
JOSH MAGENNIS told Joe Aribo he could become a legend by joining Rangers.
Less than two years on, Northern Ireland striker and Gers fan Magennis is thrilled that his prediction is on the verge of being realised.
Aribo and Gers are within touching distance of writing themselves into Ibrox folklore as the title winners who shattered Celtic’s ten in a row dream.
The Londoner was magnificent in Sunday’s 4-1 rout of Dundee United, lashing home a left-footed shot to add shine to an already impressive display.
It was the 24-year-old’s seventh goal of the season and second in two games, following his key role in the epic Europa League win over Royal Antwerp in Belgium.
Former Aberdeen, St Mirren and Kilmarnock man Magennis, who is currently starring with promotion-chasing League One side Hull City, has been wowed by Aribo’s progress under Gers boss Steven Gerrard.
Magennis was by Aribo’s side for the start of his professional career, playing with him when he made his league debut for Charlton against Peterborough in December 2016.
Magennis left The Valley in 2018, a year before Aribo had the opportunity to become part of Gerrard’s Ibrox revolution.
He told SunSport: “What Joe’s doing now is great to see, but no surprise at all.
“I knew he had everything to be a star for Rangers.
“I thought it was a wonderful opportunity for him to work for a football great such as Gerrard.
“I’d been away from Charlton for a year when I discovered Rangers were in for Joe.
“I told him it was a move he had to take, that he could go up to Scotland and become a legend by bringing the title back to Rangers. It’s not a case now of if that happens, but when.
“I’m so pleased for him that he’s close to being a title winner.
“I’ve also been a Rangers fan since I was a kid, so it’s even better for me to see Joe be a part of it all.
“Make no mistake, the Rangers supporters will never forget the players who helped to stop Celtic’s domination.
“From the first moment when I went to Charlton, it was easy to see Joe’s quality. How he looked after the ball in tight spaces, how he dealt with it.
“I think that was indicative of the football environment he was brought up in, playing in the Powerleague fives.
“Joe was used to being on the ball and not shy of a trick. He’s got amazing close control and has added goals to his game.
“Joe’s also filled out as he’s got wise to strengthening and conditioning. He’s a tall lad, too. When Joe’s in full flow heading up the park, he’s difficult to stop.
“You could tell, with the right guidance, he was going to be a top player.
“There’s no better guidance for an aspiring midfielder than from someone such as Steven Gerrard, considering how good he was.
“It’s fantastic to see and absolutely brilliant that Joe’s doing so well in Scotland.
“Going from England to up north, there were questions from people down here about why he would want to play in Scottish football.
“But Joe said he always believed in himself and what Rangers were trying to do. It’s all coming to fruition now.
“Barring a catastrophic event, Rangers are going to win the league. They are also doing well in Europe and Joe has progressed as a player.
“So what he set out to do up there is happening.
“I’m so happy for Joe that it’s all going great for him because it was a massive move for him going to Rangers.
“From my time at Aberdeen, St Mirren and Kilmarnock, I knew what the Scottish Premier League was like, that it was competitive and provided a great platform.
“There’s a lot more exposure now of the Scottish game and players up there are getting moves south regularly now.
“Of course, it’s especially good to get the chance to play at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
“I grew up a Rangers fan and from playing there I was well aware of the expectations at the club.
“You’re not just representing a club. It’s a five-star club and wherever you go in life you meet the fans.
“Rangers means everything to them and you are expected to uphold yourself to the highest order.
“At the time Joe had the chance to sign for Rangers, I just didn’t see it as being a bad move.
“You can’t underestimate how Joe has taken to playing for the club. There is so much pressure on a Rangers player and I think he has been a credit, on and off the park.
“He’s handled the criticism and praise, and not been carried away by success or too down with disappointments.
“Joe’s level-headed. He’s a great boy in the dressing room, good company, but he’s not cocky.
“He’s also got that necessary belief in himself when he goes on the pitch.
“There were times in the dressing room at Charlton that we would talk about Scottish football in general.
“Joe would ask me generally what it was like and if the football was that much different from England.
“Now he’s about to achieve something that’s going to be huge. I’m thrilled for him.”