Joe Aribo has opened up on the behind the scenes talks boss Ralph Hasenhuttl that saw him drop out of the Southampton team - as the former Rangers star pledged to always be ready.
Aribo made the switch to the English Premier League earlier this summer with his Ibrox deal heading into the final 12 month, having been a key figure at Ibrox following his move north of the border in 2019. He made his mark under Steven Gerrard and Gio van Bronckhorst with his performances domestically, and was vital for the Dutchman on route to the Europa League final where Aribo netted in Seville.
After starting the opening day defeat for Southampton against Tottenham, he was dropped to the bench but made his mark when he came off the bench on match day two against Leeds United. Aribo's quick feet saw him round goalkeeper Illan Meslier before wrong footing two defenders on the goal line to fire into the far corner of the net.
Despite dropping to the bench, the Nigeria international has pledged to always be ready for the English Premier League side no matter how much game time he gets - a message which he may have picked up from his former club's crest.
Aribo told the Daily Echo : “I spoke to the manager the day before the match and he just said ‘be ready for me’ for when I need to come on and impact the game.
“Things like that happen (dropping to the bench). But that’s what I do, every time I play I want to leave my impact on the pitch and luckily I was able to do that.
“The manager said he was going to take me out and give me some time. I’m here to do the job so no matter if I’m starting on the bench or starting in the team I’m ready to make my impact on the team.”
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