On Monday afternoon, Borna Barisic received a big boost in the form of an international call-up.
The left-back is enduring a tough spell at Rangers as he struggles to make a success of his time in Glasgow.
He cost the Gers a reported £2 million from NK Osijek last summer [Scotsman] but has been in and out of the team ever since. A series of injuries plagued his disappointing maiden season, and indifferent recent form ensures he’s currently down the pecking order.
Jon Flanagan was preferred in the recent Europa League qualifying games against FC Midtjylland, while he missed out on the 18 taken to East Fife on Sunday. Andy Halliday took up the left-back role, although he wasn’t at his best either.
None of this appears to have affected Barisic’s stock in the eyes of Zlatko Dalic, though.
Rangers full-back Borna Barisic earns Croatia call-up
The 26-year-old has been the first choice in his position for the World Cup runners-up throughout their Euro 2020 Qualifying campaign.
He’s set to retain his slot in September, as Croatia tackle Slovakia and Azerbaijan away from home in the space of four days.
Barisic is keeping illustrious company in the squad, too. Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic have all been named, as Dalic’s men look to get back to the top of Group E.
