Barry Ferguson worried about Rangers pair Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey
Two Rangers defenders are causing concerns with their form ahead of the Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund according to Barry Ferguson.
Borna Barisic was withdrawn at half time of the Old Firm derby defeat after enduring a nightmare first 45 minutes, while Calvin Bassey made an error that lead directly to a goal in the 3-3 draw with Ross County.
With Leon Balogun suffering injury against Hibs and Filip Helander not registered, the undercooked pair are in line to feature in the big European tie.
Ex-Gers captain Ferguson said on Go Radio, via the Scottish Sun: “In terms of Bassey, there’s no doubt he’s a better left-back in my mind but he can fill in there when there’s [sic] injuries.
“He has made a couple of mistakes but he is normally a left-back. You’ve got to feel for him at times.
“He’s only young. Barisic is another one, he’s got to come in and show (the Celtic game) has not affected him.
“I saw him come on against Hearts and he wasn’t the same Barisic that I seen last season.”
Reason to be worried
The transfer window ended with fireworks as the blockbuster loan signing Aaron Ramsey from Juventus added to the temporary deal for Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
But despite the addition of young right-back Mateusz Zukowski the back line was not strengthened, as he was only brought in to replace the departed Nathan Patterson.
The wheels fell off in terms of results for a period that straddled the window closing and, although attempts were made to bring forward the summer transfer of John Souttar from Hearts, the Light Blues were left to continue with what they had in defence.
The sudden decline of Barisic in the defeat at Parkhead was particularly alarming and his return against Hibs after Balogun was forced off did not suggest a player brimming with confidence.
Bassey actually played well in that game while switching from left-back to the centre but with the back four missing one Nigerian and forced to move the second out of his favoured position the manager will be sweating going into tonight’s match with the Bundesliga giants.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be particularly thankful that his opponents are missing star striker Erling Braut Haaland for the first leg in the circumstances.
In other Rangers news, Ferguson and Davie Provan have spoken on the club’s mistake in January that left them in this position.