GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst has explained his reason for dropping Joe Aribo to the bench for the visit of Dundee United.

The Nigerian midfielder has been in scintillating form for Rangers under Van Bronckhorst but has been rested this afternoon.

And the Dutch manager has revealed Aribo was swapped to the bench for rotation reasons only amid the festive fixture pile-up.

Van Bronckhorst also appeared to hint at saving Aribo for upcoming fixtures with Rangers set to take on St Mirren and Aberdeen before the Old Firm in the New Year.

Speaking to Rangers TV Van Bronckhorst explained his team selection, stating: "We have a big squad. We can rotate without losing a lot of quality.

"Of course, Joe is the man in form. He's done really well.

"But we also have to keep an eye on the next fixtures, so we were able to give him a rest today."

Aribo was replaced in midfield by John Lundstram as one of the two changes Van Bronckhorst made for the United clash. 

Nathan Patterson also came in for Borna Barisic who dropped out of the squad.