AYO OBILEYE hopes he can follow in the footsteps of Rangers star Joe Aribo and make a name for himself in Scottish football.
The 26-year-old was a contemporary of Aribo during his time at Charlton Athletic and has seen the midfielder enjoy a remarkable rise and rise since joining up with Steven Gerrard's side.
His friendship with Aribo has also allowed Obileye to strike up a rapport with Ibrox star Glen Kamara and he would go head-to-head with both as Livingston suffered a 3-0 defeat to Rangers on Saturday.
Goals from Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe clinched a deserved win for Gerrard's side to ensure Rangers got their Premiership title defence off to a winning start.
It was a tough day at the office for David Martindale and his players but Obileye was pleased to get the chance to pit his wits against two of the Light Blues' title-winning heroes.
Obileye said: “I played with Joe at Charlton. I have known him a long time and I know Glen through him.
“Joe is a year younger than me, but we played together for Charlton Under-23s for a couple of seasons.
“They are both top players and top guys. They have come up from down south and they have done really well up here.
“I think they are an inspiration for guys like myself who have also moved up from England. They’ve shown what can be achieved.
“They are playing at the top level and for someone like myself that’s where I am trying to get to.
“That’s where I want to be. It’s inspiring to see these guys doing it and it gives you the kick up the backside to get to that level.
“I managed to get a quick chat with them after the game, but you have to keep your distance still with Covid regulations. Everyone still has to stay safe.”
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