McAuley’s experience is ideal to help Worrall improve during Rangers loan deal

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Gareth McAuley’s move to Rangers may offer Steven Gerrard more off the pitch than it does on it.

The Northern Irishman has been a solid centre half for many a year down in England but as he moved north this summer, he will not expect to feature too much at Ibrox.

He is a very capable deputy when called upon but Gerrard will also be looking at him to mentor and guide some of his younger central defenders.

Another summer arrival, Joe Worrall, could do with that guidance. He clearly has talent and tenacity but has struggled slightly at Rangers and needs to settle into a rhythm if Gerrard is going to see the best of him during his loan spell from Nottingham Forest.

In McAuley, Worrall will have the perfect mentor. Tony Butcher, who knows a thing or two about playing centre half for Rangers, said of McAuley: “Young players will learn from him.

“They will see what he does, how he behaves. You don’t get to play in the Premier League and international football for so long being a bad pro. He will have good habits on and off the pitch which players can look at.

“I have heard nothing but good things about Joe. He is certainly a good player for Scotland – he is very competitive and gets stuck in. You need that. Having Gareth there will only make him a better player.”