Joe Aribo: 'Heartache' of Rangers Euro final loss can fuel season

Midfielder upbeat despite Ibrox club ending 2021/22 without a trophy

Aribo scored in Rangers' Europa League final defeat and says agony can drive them on in future

Joe Aribo insists the "heartache" of Rangers' Europa League final defeat can drive them on to success this season.

The Nigeria international netted in the Ibrox club's 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville in May, only for the Bundesliga side to win 5-4 on penalties.

It meant Rangers ended the 2021/22 campaign without a major trophy to show for their efforts, but Aribo says that disappointment can fuel their desire to deliver silverware this term.

"It was heartbreaking," he said. "But it's something that we can definitely take into this season and use it as fuel to drive us on to achieve our goals.

"We want to win trophies and we want to be successful. We showed last season that we can compete at the highest level, so we just need to keep working hard and keep believing in ourselves.

Aribo has been in impressive form for Rangers so far this season, scoring twice in three cinch Premiership appearances.

He is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a hostile Celtic Park crowd when the two sides meet on Saturday.

"It's always a special occasion to play at Celtic Park," he said. "The atmosphere is always electric and it's a great stage to showcase your talent.

"I love playing in front of hostile crowds. It gives me extra motivation and it makes me want to prove myself even more.

"It's going to be a tough game, but we're confident that we can get a result. We're in good form and we're ready for the challenge."