Dan Neil 'reputation' now on show at Ibrox as U-turn Rangers verdict emerges
The midfielder arrived at Ibrox early on in the summer, signing after his contract with Sunderland expired.
But the 24-year-old came to Ibrox with a heavy weight on his shoulders, having previously captained the Black Cats to the Premier League.
Derek McInnes was always keen to get the deal over the line, but Neil didn't have the easiest start in Govan.
Perhaps he was a victim of what was happening around him, but the main argument was that he was too similar to other midfielders at the club.
However, Neil is now turning heads at Rangers, with Gordon Dalziel the latest to give praise to the summer signing.
Gordon Dalziel shares Dan Neil verdict after criticism
Neil received plenty of heat for his early performances at Ibrox, particularly when he featured in the side that fell out of Europe at the hands of Jablonec.
But the midfielder has played a key role in the Gers' recent surge under McInnes, which saw the club win each of their last six games before the international break.
Neil really made a name for himself when scoring a brace and grabbing an assist in the 3-0 Old Firm victory over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup, proving doubters wrong.
While speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel suggested that he was also on the side of the fence when it came to being underwhelmed by Neil's performances.
However, he now believes that the ex-Sunderland man's reputation is starting to show through.
Dalziel said: "I think one or two have found form; Neil, for instance, came under a bit of criticism early, and probably rightly so.
"If you're a Rangers fan, you're thinking, 'you've come in with a big reputation', and he's starting to show that now."
He also agreed that Ryan Naderi is starting to show his true self, claiming that McInnes will have a headache once Lawrence Shankland gets back to full fitness.
How Derek McInnes always trusted Neil
Rangers confirmed they had signed Neil on their official website on 1 July, announcing a three-year contract for the former Ipswich Town loanee.
The club spoke to McInnes about the addition, who was delighted to get the deal over the line.
McInnes said: "I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our squad.
"He is a technically gifted midfielder who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team."
Neil has played in five Scottish Premiership matches for the Light Blues so far, and has made 11 appearances in total since joining.
He and Nicolas Raskin appear to be two of McInnes' favoured midfield options, and are expected to continue to play next to each other in the middle of the park against Kilmarnock on Saturday.