Despite a grudge match with Progres Niederkorn to come first, Rangers fans will have one eye on Sunday’s league opener with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
There are high expectations on this Ibrox side – perhaps more than usual – and the club will want to lay down a marker for the rest of the season.
But depending on who starts at left-back on Sunday, it could be indicative of Rangers’ plans for the rest of the season.
Croatian international Borna Barisic has struggled to settle since joining from Europa League rivals NK Osijek last season.
The full-back has a wicked left-foot delivery and is an accurate striker of the ball. But he has always seemed to lack that full-blooded commitment that makes or breaks you at Rangers.
Despite the player appearing to be back in the fold at Ibrox, he remains an unconvincing option at left-back.
There’s not a Rangers fan out there who doesn’t want the 26-year-old full-back to make the grade at Ibrox.
Rangers have a proud history of Croatian and Balkans talent and will be hoping the left wingback can follow suit.
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That said, a lack of success on the pitch hasn’t always been Barisic’s fault.
The player’s first season at Ibrox was also hampered by injuries.
The Croatian was even told to avoid plastic pitches during his recovery. A start on Sunday would reflect his progress on that front.
That’s to be expected from a player we’ve yet to see the best from.
But should he fail to make the starting line-up for Sunday’s match with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, it could be a hint that he’s yet to convince Steven Gerrard either.
