Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was full of praise for on-loan Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, following his side’s 4-2 win over Aberdeen.
The 22-year-old was hailed as ‘top drawer’ by his boss, in an interview with the club’s official website.
The youngster has become a first-team regular under the stewardship of Gerrard.
Worrall has played 21 times in all competitions for the Gers and the Reds will hope that he returns a more accomplished defender.
An error from the Forest academy graduate cost Rangers a 2-1 defeat in a game to Kilmarnock last month.
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Gerrard, however, was keen to laud Worrall’s character following the latest win.
The Rangers boss told the official website: “I think what happened to Joe Worrall the other week, the way he has come back and responded has been top drawer and I must give him a special mention tonight.”
The comments from Worrall’s temporary boss will surely delight Forest fans.
What next for the youngster?
There is a real sense among the City Ground faithful that Worrall can come back and challenge for a place in the first-team.
With Forest currently experiencing a defensive crisis, there was talk during January that he might be recalled.
Gerrard quickly quashed such talk, however, which probably speaks volumes as to just how well he is doing at Ibrox.
If Worrall does return to Forest then it would be beneficial to get him alongside an experienced defender.
Last night he was paired with 26-year-old Connor Goldson and the partnership flourished.
If the Reds can get Michael Dawson fit next season, he would be a quality mentor for Worrall to learn from.
He already has over 50 Championship appearances under his belt and the loan spell is all about honing his skills.
The challenge for Worrall is to cut out the silly errors that have so often crept into his game.
If he can do that, there is no reason for him not to earn another chance at the City Ground.