Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has opened up on his time in Scotland during an interview with The Athletic – claiming one aspect that was all new to him.
Aitor Karanka didn’t deem the Forest defender as part of his plans prior to the 2018/19 campaign and sent him on loan to Ibrox.
Playing under Steven Gerrard provided Worrall with an exciting opportunity to get some more senior games under his belt.
He made 32 appearances during his time with the Scottish giants, scoring once during a game against Aberdeen.
Worrall grew as a footballer and returned to the City Ground a far better player than when he departed.
The 23-old has claimed that his stint north of the border wasn’t all sweetness and light, however.
He told The Athletic: “I had such a torrid time up in Scotland, from the fans, during my loan spell with Rangers.
“I had a wobble at the start, when I was first up there. That was the first time I got any stick.”
Worrall now a more rounded footballer
Even if the centre-back thinks he wasn’t overly fancied by Rangers or there supporters, it’s fair to say the loan move paid dividends.
Last season he was a breath of fresh air prior to the season being temporarily halted.
He wasn’t quite at his level best following the restart but ultimately he returned to Forest showing signs that he had benefited from the Rangers loan.
Worrall could face a fight for his place when he is fit to return to the Forest fold.
He has to impress Chris Hughton and with Scott McKenna looking undroppable, there is only one spot up for grabs.
Worrall has never shirked a challenge and he now faces another one to win his place back in the Forest team.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
