After an impressive loan spell with Rangers, Joe Worrall will be looking to force his way into Martin O'Neill's first-team plans at Nottingham Forest next season.

The central defender was shipped out on loan to Ibrox in the summer having fallen out of favour under Aitor Karanka at the City Ground, and became a hugely popular player for the Glasgow side.

The 22-year-old made 32 appearances for Steven Gerrard's side this season, and will now be looking to establish himself as a regular for Forest next season, after recently saying farewell to Rangers fans.

Here, we discuss the return of Joe Worrall at Nottingham Forest, in today's FLW Six Pointer...

Firstly, were you surprised to see Worrall leave on loan in the summer?

I was torn down the middle to be honest.

Worrall was never really a regular under Karanka, and it would have been hard for him to make an impact with the signings of Tobias Figueiredo and Michael Dawson this season.

Then again, he's a homegrown boy, and he probably did deserve his chance to show Karanka what he was all about. Then again, that's what pre-season is for!

What have you made of his loan spell with Rangers?

I think he's been really impressive for Rangers.

A lot is said about the SPFL and the lack of competition in that league, but it's still a tough league and Rangers have found it difficult this season.

I think Gerrard is a big fan of Worrall, and he knows a good player when he sees one.

Is he good enough to be a regular for Forest?

I think that he's definitely good enough to become a regular starter for Forest.

On the back of an impressive loan spell at Ibrox, his confidence is bound to be sky-high going into the new season, as will Tyler Walker's after his loan spell with Mansfield Town.

These players definitely deserve a chance to shine.

What stands in his way of becoming a regular?

Forest already have a plethora of talented defenders in their ranks.

Yohan Benalouane, Alex Milosevic and Jack Robinson were hugely impressive last season, especially in the latter stages of the campaign, where they played in a solid back-three.

I suspect O'Neill will carry on with that formation, and with Dawson, Hefele and Figueiredo waiting in the wings, it will be tough for Worrall for sure.

Can you see O'Neill becoming a fan of Worrall?

I think Worrall is O'Neill's type of defender.

He loves a battle, he loves an aerial duel, but he is also comfortable on the ball and loves to play out from the back.

Given the chance, he will shine under O'Neill.

Finally, would you start him next season?

In my view, I think the jury is still out on Worrall.

Yes, he has had a fantastic year with Rangers, and has definitely forced his way back into Forest's first-team plans at the City Ground.

But a lot of good players stand in his way, and he will have to work extremely hard in the summer to make an impact.