Joe Aribo will thrive in Scotland but former Charlton boss Chris Powell believes the midfielder made an error moving to Rangers.

Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit landed the coveted 22-year-old after Aribo and Charlton failed to agree new terms following the expiry of his contract.

The Charlton Academy graduate put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Glasgow two weeks ago but Powell, who played and managed the Addicks believes the move was a mistake.

“He’ll do well in Scotland for sure,” Powell said.

“He’s got the talent but I’m not too sure he should’ve gone, in my personal opinion.

“I think he should’ve stayed at Charlton or maybe looked at one or two other options but it’s his decision.

“I think for a player like him to be playing at championship level, I think he would’ve alerted a lot more teams.

“Hopefully he’ll go to Rangers and play, that’s the most important thing for a young player.”

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Aribo was a mainstay in Lee Bowyer’s side as they gained promotion to the Championship via a play-off win over Sunderland at Wembley.

Playing over 70 games for his boyhood club, Aribo netted ten goals for the Addicks last season, a return Powell believes will be hard replace.

“It’s disappointing I’m sure for many Charlton fans and especially Lee as manager.

“He’s lost a real talent, but they’ll produce someone else because Charlton always do at academy level. Joe’s a real talent and I think he’ll definitely prove that in Scotland.”

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Aribo made his competitive debut off the bench in Rangers’ 4-0 Europa League qualifier win at Gibraltar’s side St Josephs.

Powell was speaking at the opening of Mulgrave Primary School’s new small-sided 3G pitch, which received a £94,701 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation of which Powell is an ambassador.