Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has hailed the influence that last season's loan spell at Rangers has had on his season so far.

The 22-year-old moved to Ibrox on a season-long loan deal last summer, after falling out of favour under Aitor Karanka at the City Ground.

The central defender made a total of 32 appearances whilst on loan with Steven Gerrard's side, gaining invaluable experience against the likes of Celtic as well as in the Europa League.

Worrall has established himself as a hugely important player for Sabri Lamouchi's Forest since returning to the City Ground - the homegrown star has been an everpresent in the Championship thus far this term.

He has formed a solid partnership with the likes of Michael Dawson and Tobias Figueiredo, helping the Reds fight for automatic promotion at the right end of the table.

After their 2-1 win at Luton Town on Saturday afternoon, Worrall was quick to praise Rangers after producing another solid, impressive performance for Forest.

Via the Daily Record, he said: "I thought I was the complete player last season - but then you realise that spending a year away from the demands of the Championship, you might need that time away to look at it like an outsider.

"But I enjoyed my time up there and I’ve come back a much better player. I couldn’t have got a better loan. Now I’m back where I belong, so I’m really happy at the moment.

"If any other lad gets an opportunity to go up there I’d recommend it – it’s crazy. Especially if you can get a loan to dip your toe into it then come back to your parent club."

Forest currently occupy fifth spot in the Sky Bet Championship table after 14 games - they face bitter rivals Derby County on Trentside next weekend.

The Verdict

That loan spell at Rangers is exactly what Worrall needed in his career.

He was a decent player before his move to Glasgow, but he's turned from a boy into a man since spending time on loan with Gerrard's men.

He has been outstanding for Forest in the early stages of the campaign, and it'll only be a matter of time before Premier League clubs come calling at this rate.

I think Michael Dawson has also been a massive influence on him, too. His experience and leadership has been vital at times.