Rangers have been handed a massive boost with the confirmation midfield star Joe Aribo is back in training.

The Nigerian playmaker has been out of action for weeks with an ankle issue, but was back training on Friday in full action for the upcoming fixtures.

Manager Steven Gerrard has revealed today’s Old Firm comes a little early for him, but the sight of the former Charlton man’s presence back at Auchenhowie is a fantastic fillip even if his return is about on schedule.

Ibrox Noise told you he’d be likely back end of October, start of November, and that’s still looking about right, but hopefully his training goes well and he can make it back into action a mite ahead of that.

There’s no doubt his talent earlier this season was a big boost, and his performances, when deployed in the 10 position, were a big standout.

Michael Beale confirmed the system was basically designed for him alone, to build around him, and now that he’s close to returning that can be put into full proper use now that the rest of the team appears fairly well-oiled with it.

And of course it intensifies competition and will push Ianis Hagi on further with a quality rival for his position.

Pleasing stuff.