JOE ARIBO has vowed to answer a Europa League call of duty and attempt to fire Rangers to the silverware in Seville by playing as a stand-in striker.
Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is still sweating on the fitness of Kemar Roofe ahead of the meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night.
The loss of Roofe, alongside the absence of Alfredo Morelos, leaves Van Bronckhorst with Fashion Sakala as his only tried and trusted centre-forward option.
Aribo has filled the role impressively in recent weeks as he has moved to a more central berth and showed his adaptability by leading the line with aplomb.
The final in Seville would be the biggest challenge yet for the Nigerian but he is confident the help of Roofe and coach Roy Makaay can prepare him for his date with destiny if he is called upon.
Aribo said: "First of all I’m just happy to be out there, helping the boys in whatever way I can.
"It’s different compared to playing in the midfield areas, of course. But I want to add goals into my game so in that sense there is an easier chance to score.
"I’ve not really played that much up front. It’s one I’m still adapting to. But if it means I play in the next game then so be it.
"Kem just says to always move around. You see him playing and he is always on the go, always moving and always trying to anticipate where the ball is going to come.
"When I find out that I’m going to be playing up front, I speak a lot with Roy.
"He tells me some movements to do. He knows that I’m strong and can battle with defenders and back in and what-not.
"I speak to Roy a lot about it. You can’t get a better guy when you think about his career. “When you look at what he did, it just shows that I’m not in bad company and can learn from him."
