Ex-Celtic star tips Super Eagles midfielder to follow Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa

Former Glasgow Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has predicted that Joe Aribo will reunite with Steven Gerrard following the appointment of the Liverpool icon as coach of Aston Villa three days ago.

The Super Eagles midfielder excelled under Gerrard at Rangers, scoring 20 goals and assisting 18 others in 113 appearances across all competitions.

Aribo has been linked with a move to the English Premier League with Crystal Palace mentioned as a possible destination but Gerrard could be looking at the possibility of signing some of his former players including the Nigerian star.

It was Gerrard that convinced the former Charlton Athletic man to join Rangers in July 2019 despite the player attracting interest from Premier League and European top-flight clubs.

When asked if any Rangers player could be Gerrard's first signing at Aston Villa, McAvennie told Football Insider : "There are a few players who could make that jump. I would be very surprised if Gerrard didn’t sign at least one player from Rangers.

"I look at that squad and see a few players who could do it. Joe Aribo stands out to me.

"He’s young enough and has the talent to go down there and do well. £10million is it for him? That’s a good deal.

"Aribo could add that spark to the Villa midfield. They have a lot of quality players but they are struggling to create.

"I would imagine Aribo will be a relatively cheap signing Gerrard could get over the line.

"He could definitely follow Gerrard and it would be a brilliant move for him."

Aribo made a good impression while on international duty on Saturday, helping the Super Eagles register a 2-0 win over Liberia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Igho Kingsley