Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce questions whether Rangers ace Barisic is good enough for PL move
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has questioned whether Rangers full-back Borna Barisic is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that the Croatia international is a talent, but must focus on helping the Gers usurp Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership before he thinks about a potential move to England.
Alan Petrovic, sporting director of Barisic’s hometown club, NK Osijek, recently told the Daily Record that he believes the defender is good enough to thrive south of the border.
But Barisic’s agent has previously stated that the player will not be leaving Ibrox in the immediate future, and Bruce believes that staying put would be the best course of action for the player.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “I think the Premier League would be a big step up for him, but whenever I’ve seen him play he’s done okay.
“Whether he’s Premier League standard I’m not quite so sure – we’ll just have to watch this space with it.
“He’s done well at Rangers, and only time will tell whether he’s good enough to convince a Premier League club to take a chance on him, but if he did go, he would be a loss to Rangers if he does move on.
“They’re a big club at the end of the day, and there’s a challenge there, to try and go and take over Celtic. He’s said before that he wants to stay, and they’re the kind of words that the manager will want to hear from his players.”
Barisic has previously been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with a £22 million move mooted back in March.
The 27-year-old has registered 14 assists and two goals across all competitions for the Gers this season.
In other Rangers news, Report – Gers interested in free swoop for ex-Man United starlet Dion McGhee.