BRUCE ARENA reckons Matt Polster has returned to Major League Soccer a better player despite a frustrating spell with Rangers.

The former Chicago Fire midfielder left Ibrox earlier this summer to clinch a move to New England Revolution and could feature against Philadelphia Union on Friday night.

Polster couldn't become a regular under Steven Gerrard's guidance but legendary American boss Arena is thankful for the time that the 27-year-old spent in Light Blue.

Arena said: "Matt, we are going to use in the number six position, and he is a player that has experience in our league, which I think is really important.

"I think he is a good winner of the ball in the midfield, he is a good passer. Being next to Steven Gerrard for over a year can only be a plus because we all know that Steven is a manager with a tremendous background as a player.

"He is in his first couple of years of management but I am sure he was able to offer some words of wisdom to Matt in the time he was with Rangers.

"From what I see of Matt now, he looks like he is a better player than he was when he departed the Chicago Fire. That is a real plus and a lot of credit to Rangers and Steven Gerrard."