Joe Aribo will ‘thrive’ at Rangers.

That’s the opinion of former Gers defender Russell Martin who only came up against the Charlton man last season.

Martin, 33, believes the midfielder who is expected to complete his move to Ibrox on Tuesday will be a success under Steven Gerrard.

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Having seen the in-demand Academy product up-close last season having been on the end of a 2-0 defeat by the Addicks whilst at Walsall, Scotland international Martin thinks the SPL will not faze the 22-year-old.

“I am sure he will not just cope in the environment, but thrive in it,” he told the Sunday Post.

“Yes, it will be a step up to go from League One to having to go up against Celtic in Old Firm derbies a few times a season. But Aribo will be a brilliant pick up for Rangers.

“He is a young player I really like, a natural athlete and a box-to-box player who makes some terrific runs. He is a decent height and physically powerful.

“Last season he scored 10 goals from midfield, and I am sure if he went north, he’d make a big impact.”

Aribo reportedly underwent a medical on Monday before the formalities of the deal are complete. It’s thought the influential midfielder will sign a four-year deal worth £1million a year on Tuesday before joining up with Gerrard and his men on a pre-season camp in Portugal.