Rangers may have to call on Academy talent Adam Devine for their Europa League trip to Sparta Prague after an injury to Borna Barisic
Croatian international Borna Barisic, 30, was forced off after only ten minutes into new manager Philippe Clement’s Rangers debut against Hibernian at Ibrox.
Whilst the Belgian manager opted to sub on young Turkish international Ridvan Yilmaz in the eventual 4-0 victory, the ex-Bestikas full-back is not in the club’s Europa League squad.
Versatile right-back option Dujon Sterling – who can fill in at left-back if required – was also missing from the squad for the win over Hibs meaning suddenly Rangers have a major dilemma in the position.
Rangers Academy talent Adam Devine is on the club’s B List for the competition and filled in at left-back during the beginning of Michael Beale’s tenure around this time last year.
In a remarkable twist of fate, incoming Rangers manager Philippe Clement could now once again be forced to call on the right-back to plug the injury gap on the other side of defence.
So far the kid’s only appearance of the season came as a late sub in the 2-1 League Cup win over Greenock Morton.
Philippe Clement coy on Rangers injury blow
Speaking after the 4-0 win over Hibs, new Rangers manager Philippe Clement was coy on the injury to Borna Barisic.
Whilst Adam Devine is next in line to start v Sparta Prague, it’s clear the Belgian boss will be waiting to see the outcome of any problem with Borna Barisic before making a decision.
“I don’t know yet what is the situation,” a frustrated Clement told the press after the match.
“So we will see if he will be ready or not. I cannot say anything about that, we need to make a good examination of that.”
The injury to Borna Barisic comes with Rangers facing several absences ahead of the Europa League trip to face Sparta Prague.
The likes of Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and now Ecuadorean international midfielder Jose Cifuentes remain on the sidelines.
Rangers were however boosted by the return of Todd Cantwell in the win over Hibs, with Scotland international Ryan Jack and Brazilian striker Danilo on the bench.
Adam Devine to get Sparta Prague opportunity?
As Rangers mull over injuries in the Ibrox squad, Adam Devine may well be set for an opportunity to impress in the Europa League trip to Sparta Prague.
Whilst the circumstances might be far from ideal, if Philippe Clement is forced to call on the 20-year-old right-back it’s an opportunity for the Ibrox academy kid to stake his first-team claim.
Adam Devine was even spotted at Ibrox training being put through his paces ahead of the victory over Hibs, so he’s already under the Belgian’s nose.
The incoming Rangers manager has been clear that he is aiming to develop youngsters in Glasgow but Clement has also been very respectful of the quality in the Sparta Prague ranks.
Philippe Clement believes Ibrox side will have to “be on their toes” to get a result in the Czech Republic and what a test for Adam Devine if he gets the nod v Sparta Prague.
