Rangers left-back Borna Barisic was back playing for the club against Newcastle United as exit links persist around Premier League Nottingham Forest.
The Croatian international, 29, was unconvincing as he started against the Champions League side in the eventual 2-1 defeat in Allan McGregor’s testimonial clash.
Eventually replaced by Turkish alternative Ridvan Yilmaz on the hour mark, the Ibrox support determined to see more of the ex-Besiktas star this season.
There’s a feeling that no matter what happens Ridvan Yilmaz should be the club’s number one choice left-back and amid those links to Nottingham Forest, Borna Barisic’s performance for Rangers has done little to change that view.
Linked to Nottingham Forest by the Scottish Sun, the story goes that ex-Rangers director Ross Wilson is eyeing a £2m link up with Borna Barisic due to the fact Harry Toffolo faces a lengthy betting ban.
Borna Barisic plays for Rangers amid Nottingham Forest links
Having signed for Rangers in the summer of 2018, Barisic has been a constant for Rangers over the last five seasons but has often suffered devastating dips in form at the club.
Despite having a genuinely world class delivery at times, the full-back is let down by a sheepishness and nervousness in defence which Rangers fans would not mind seeing the back of this season.
Having also signed Dujon Sterling, who is albeit ordinarily a right-back, Rangers do have options at that side of the park with Adam Devine having also filled in there last season.
However, if Borna Barisic is to leave the club, perhaps Rangers would need to replace that experience in the position with several older players already moving on from Ibrox this summer.
For me, Borna Barisic would be a genuinely suitable squad option for Rangers, bringing experience and technical ability to the side when Ridvan Yilmaz is out of it.
There is definitely still a place for the Barisic in the squad but with Borna in the final year of his Rangers contract, and Nottingham Forest interest lingering, perhaps its the best time for everyone to move on.
