Sparta Prague winger Veljko Birmancevic caught the eye in the Europa League draw with Rangers.
The Serbian attacker might’ve had two or more goals in an energetic and creative display which left a mark in Prague.
But for the commanding Jack Butland, and the side-netting, Veljko Birmancevic might’ve had the Czechs out of sight by halftime.
Rangers improved as the Europa League clash went on and might’ve been unlucky not to win the eventual 0-0 draw but Birmancevic certainly left an impression.
Actually registered with Ligue 1 Toulouse, who’ve farmed the winger out on loan to Sparta Prague this season, Veljko Birmancevic is also exactly the kind of player who shows up Rangers’ recent recruitment shortcomings.
Did Veljko Birmancevic slip through Rangers’ net?
At 25-years-old the winger is a good age to take the next steps in his top level development.
Having caught the eye with Malmo in Sweden – where he scored 29 and laid on 13 in 79 games – a move to Ligue 1 and a top five league might’ve come a little too soon last season.
Veljko Birmancevic struggled to leave an impression in France and after his not insignificant 30 appearances heralded only a solitary goal a loan move to Sparta Prague came around this summer.
Given the obvious talent of the winger, if not his lack of cutting edge, it’s the kind of transfer one might’ve expected Rangers to make.
Even before Veljko Birmancevic moved to France, Rangers might’ve had one eye on the player’s progress at Malmo.
The rumoured and unconfirmed numbers involved in the officially undisclosed transfer fee – pointing to a potential €5m (£4.3m) transfer – might’ve represented a big risk for Rangers but the point still stands.
With the likes of Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala and Ianis Hagi all moving on in the summer there were gaps to be plugged in this Rangers squad; many believe there still are.
As the bright Veljko Birmancevic impressed in the Europa League draw with Sparta Prague, one wonders if Rangers’ recruitment team were once again caught sleeping.
One new Celtic signing who was heavily linked to Rangers has also had fans talking this week.
