Joe Aribo hasn't "kicked his own backside" for Rangers since returning from the African Cup of Nations.
That's according to Charlie Nicholas, who expected much more from the Ibrox star during the second half of the Premiership season.
The Nigerian was in fine form before heading to Cameroon in December for Africa's premier international tournament.
Aribo was contributing in a big way via goals and assists as the Gers topped the table.
However, just weeks after returning, the champions find themsevles three points behind rivals Celtic and Aribo hasn't had the same impact for Giovanni van Bronckhorst 's side.
The 25-year-old has contributed much less for his team and Nicholas was critical of his performances.
"Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side deservedly won plenty of plaudits for seeing off Borussia Dortmund in the last round," Nicholas wrote in his Daily Express column.
"They now face Red Star at Ibrox in the first leg and there is no doubt expectation levels have been cranked up again.
"I can see (Ryan) Kent and Alfredo Morelos both having an appetite for this game, but I do think it is time Rangers got a performance out of Joe Aribo again because he hasn't kicked his own backside since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in late January.
"Up to that point, he had been the player of the season but that is now up for debate.
"Rangers need to go for it against Red Star and get the home crowd on board.The Ibrox fans might believe the Serbians are easier opponents than Borussia Dortmund but there is no chance van Bronckhorst and his players will be taking that view.
"Red Star have done well to get this far, having knocked out Cluj before topping a group featuring Midtjylland, Braga and Ludogorets.
"They are a decent team and will be technically good, albeit maybe not as strong as in previous years."
Aribo was being touted with a money-spinning EPL transfer earlier this season with the likes of Leicester and Aston Villa both reportedly keen on the midfielder.
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