“The more I’m in the team, the better I’ll be.”

Ben Davies has endured a stuttering start to life as a Rangers player but his impressive Old Firm showing is a sign of things to come, according to his close friend and former teammate.

When quizzed on his first few months in Glasgow following Monday's 2-2 draw with Celtic, Davies gave an honest assessment. “I think I’ll take more positives from today than from the past couple of games,” he said.

“I kind of struggled to get my fitness right. It takes a few games anyway but hopefully I can stay fit and help the team. The more I’m in the team, the better I’ll be.”

Paul Huntington played alongside Davies at the heart of the Preston North End defence prior to his Anfield switch and says his close friend boasts all the credentials to succeed in Govan.

Huntington, now plying his trade with English League Two side Carlisle United, credits former Hamilton Accies boss Alex Neil as a key component in Davies’ footballing rise.

He told the Rangers Review: “I’m close with Ben, he’s a fellow Cumbrian like myself, we roomed together at Preston. He’s a really nice guy and really down to earth.

“He came through the academy, played a few games and had quite a few loans. Then Alex Neil came in and it all changed for him really. He took a liking to Ben.

“He was a left-footed, ball-playing centre back and he was very mobile. We worked well as a partnership. I would do the dirty side of the game and he would sweep up and play out from the back for us.

“My job was to defend and organise others when we were attacking and not overcomplicate. I just had to keep it simple, give it to our midfield players or our full-back. Obviously, I hit the odd diagonal pass but I wasn’t one to be dribbling into midfield and doing something I’m not.

“I think a lot of the modern-day managers, especially the higher you go, want their defenders to do a bit of both which Ben can do.

“Alex Neil always used to say, ‘do what you’re good at and focus on why you’re in the team. Focus on what your strengths are rather than what you can’t do.’

“After a couple of seasons, the move to Liverpool came about and Ben couldn’t turn that down. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed, like a lot of the lads, that he didn’t get an opportunity to play.”

While Davies’ move to Jurgen Klopp’s side was met with one or two raised eyebrows given he was playing in the English Championship at the time, Huntington says it was no surprise to see him make the move to Merseyside.

“He did have other options at the time, some big clubs whether that be in the Championship or the club up the road next to Rangers but for whatever reason, he chose Liverpool,” he said.

“I got a lot of messages about it from people who watched us over the years but it didn’t surprise me.

“I was just disappointed for him personally that he didn’t get an opportunity to show what he’s capable of but that’s football.

“It was a brilliant opportunity for him to learn. I know he could’ve stayed there to see if he could get a chance in pre-season but he probably knew he wasn’t going to play.

“He picked up a few niggles because the training was very intense and quite different from what he was used to but he’s found himself at another fantastic football club and I know he’s been enjoying it.”

It may not have worked out at Anfield but Huntington says Liverpool's loss can be Rangers' gain and believes his partnership with Connor Goldson is one that can flourish.

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

“He’s brave in the sense he’ll keep wanting the ball off the goalkeeper but he’s also a good defender, he reads the game so well,” he said.

“Once he gets a run of games that’s when you’ll see the best of him when he’s fully match fit and playing week in, week out.

“Rangers have managed him well and he’s played the last three games so hopefully that’s him got his fitness now, I think he’ll be an asset.

“I played against Connor Goldson as well in League One and the Championship. If they can both stay fit and get a good run of games together, I think they could have a good balance.”

While there is no denying his ability, Huntington says the unique expectations and demands associated with playing for Rangers is something Davies will revel in.

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“I remember him saying to me when he was Liverpool, ‘I don’t think you realise just how worldwide that club is,’” he said.

“He was telling me he was bumping into people and everyone would be a Liverpool fan.

“The expectations are big up there in Glasgow too with two big football clubs but I think he’ll take it in his stride. He’s got a good family around him, his partner and two kids, so they keep him busy.

“Nothing really fazes him, he just goes about his business day to day and gets his head down.

“I was kind of hoping Rangers would win the other day not only for Ben but to make it interesting to close the gap. I keep an eye out for his results and we still speak quite a lot. I haven’t seen him for a little while as we’re both quite busy playing.

“We had our Christmas day out and we were supposed to meet up in Glasgow but he had training during the break.

“He’s a great lad and I wish him all the best at what is a top club.”