Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been piling praise on his on-loan Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, after he started last night's Europa League opener in Spain.

Rangers faced La Liga giants Villarreal, earning a highly impressive 2-2 draw at El Madrigal in their Group G opener.

Gerrard handed Worrall his debut for the club, with the youngster passing the test with flying colours.

The 21-year old got off to the worst start possible, his error providing a golden chance for Colombian star Carlos Bacca to open the scoring, but he grew into the game and impressed his new manager.

"I put him right in the deep end. He was in a sink-or-swim situation," Gerrard is reported as saying by the Nottingham Post. "When a manager gives you your debut away in the Europa League, against a side of this level, it was a big ask for him to come in and perform. I thought he was outstanding."

The former Liverpool player then went on to highlight exactly what is was about Worrall's game which impressed him the most.

"He was very comfortable in possession and defended well, bar the first goal. It's difficult to criticise him as it was a bit of a lucky deflection. But I thought he was outstanding for his first game."

Worrall linked up with Rangers on deadline day, but has waited patiently for his debut with the Scottish giants.

The Verdict

If you're going to loan a player out, why not to a club that will be facing some of the best sides in Europe? Villarreal are a top class side and Joe Worrall was facing a striker who played against England in the World Cup this summer.

There are not many better places he could have moved to and the experience will find him in perfect shape for either a return to Forest or, if he impresses, a big summer move.

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