It's a curious case for the former Ibrox maverick. Devastatingly effective on his day, yet clubless at the age of 30.

But Aribo is doing the opposite of giving in. He is currently putting in the hard yards in Dubai as he aims to reignite his career.

The midfielder's versatility was one of his greatest strengths, as he demonstrated by starting and scoring in the Europa League Final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville while operating as a makeshift false nine.

Aribo thrilled supporters during his time in Glasgow and went on to become an important player for Southampton, making 111 appearances for the Saints and sampling life in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard adored him and Giovanni van Bronckhorst could scarcely do without him.

Now, however, Aribo finds himself on the outside looking in after the most frustrating period of his career.

Game time proved hard to come by at Southampton under Tonda Eckert and an ill-fated loan move to Leicester did little to improve matters. Minutes were scarce at the King Power and relegation only added to the disappointment.

For a player who once dazzled on European nights and played a leading role in one of Rangers' greatest modern runs, it has been a sobering fall from grace.

But the Nigeria international is now rested, recharged and desperate for another opportunity to prove he can still perform at the highest level.

The hard work is being done behind the scenes. Now Aribo is simply waiting on the chance to remind everyone why he was once one of the most coveted talents in Scottish football.