International manager drools over key Rangers pair
Rangers had a lot to thank the Croatian contingency of their squad for on Sunday afternoon.
It was Borna Barisic who turned provider for both goals in their 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead, and Nikola Katic who headed home the emphatic winner in a match that could haver massive ramifications for the title race this season.
Both men have really stepped up to the plate in recent times, and it would appear that their efforts are not going unnoticed either.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Record, Croatian national manager, Zlatko Dalic, made a point of praising the pair.
He said: “Borna Barisic is now the number one left back in my team and I have watched Niko closely.
“I considered him for the last game but he wasn’t in the Rangers side but I hope he can maintain his level and he’s in my thoughts for the next game.”
And that kind of recognition for a national team of Croatia’s ilk is no mean feat either.
After all, this a country who pushed France all the way in a thrilling World Cup final just 18 months ago.
To represent a nation like that is a real mark quality, but we don’t exactly have to be told about how impressive the duo are.
Sunday’s game was the latest in a long line of eye-catching performances, and Barisic in particular is beginning to look like the real deal.
There are few, if any, left-backs in the Scottish game who can match him at the moment, and the quality of his delivery is bordering on unparalleled.
If he can keep this kind of form going for the rest of the season then he will be a serious, serious weapon for Steven Gerrard as his side push for a first title since 2011.
In other news, Adrian Durham names Rangers quartet in Scottish Premiership team of the decade.