Manager confirms major Rangers relief ahead of Old Firm
Croatia manager Zlatko Dedic has confirmed that Borna Barisic will play against France on Wednesday amid worries over the Rangers left-back’s fitness.
Barisic, 27, missed Croatia’s last two matches against Switzerland and Sweden, which led to concerns about whether or not he will be able to play against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
Rangers make will their way to Parkhead for the first Old Firm derby of the season this weekend and in order to retain their place at the top of the table, they will need to ensure they do not return to Govan empty-handed.
Barisic is a key player for the Light Blues and Steven Gerrard’s side would be seriously worse off without the Croatia international.
Fortunately, the former Osijek ace looks likely to be available.
“Barisic is fine now, we didn’t want to take any risks with him, he skipped those two games, but now he is completely ready and will be ready for the French,” Dalic said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Barisic is vital for Rangers.
The 27-year-old has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal and supplying six assists in the process.
He’s only failed to start one Scottish Premiership fixture this term and that was when Gerrard handed Calvin Bassey his full debut against Motherwell last month.
Although ex-Leicester left-back Bassey did well in the 5-1 win at Fir Park, the 20-year-old is very inexperienced and starting him against Celtic would have been a bit risky.
Thankfully, Gerrard might not have to make that call this weekend as long as Barisic gets through Croatia’s clash with France unscathed.
In other Rangers news, this goalkeeper is a doubt for the Old Firm.