Scott McKenna insists that Nottingham Forest teammate Joe Worrall is a 'far better player' than the one who spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Rangers.
After making 35 appearances for Forest in 2017/18, Worrall was sent on loan to Rangers to gain further first-team experience in 2018/19.
The defender, who was 21 at the time, ended up becoming a key player under Steven Gerrard, featuring 32 times for the Gers in all competitions.
Since returning from his loan spell at Ibrox, Worrall has been an integral player for Forest. He featured in every Championship game under Sabri Lamouchi last season, and has been an important player under Chris Hughton this season.
McKenna was familiar of Worrall before he made the move from Aberdeen to Forest in September, having come up against the centre-half during the 2018/19 SPFL campaign.
Speaking to FLW, McKenna said: "I think we played Rangers about seven times that season. He tries to be chirpy about the fact he scored against Aberdeen, too.
"I think he had a good season at Rangers, though. They're obviously not as strong a team as they are this season, and I think that's down to a lot of pressure the fans put on them. It must have been difficult for everyone involved in those Rangers teams.
"I thought he did well, and ever since he's come back down to Forest, he's kicked on and been a mainstay in the team ever since."
"He's not a player who I really knew about when he came Rangers to be honest. I didn't really pay attention to him as I was more focused on my teammates.
"But from the Joe Worrall who was at Rangers then and at Forest now, he's a far better player."
The Verdict
Worrall and McKenna have struck up a really good understanding and partnership this season.
They are both at a good age and both have potential, and it's also a positive how one plays as a right-sided centre-half and one plays as a left-sided centre-half.
They give Forest plenty of balance in the heart of defence, and their form has given fans reason to be optimistic heading into next season.