By Alan Hutton

16th Sep, 2023 | 7:22am

Rangers expert: Borna Barisic is not the same player - and this is why

Borna Barisic has massively struggled at Rangers in recent seasons.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers defender Alan Hutton said Barisic’s recent impressive performance for Croatia will do wonders for his confidence.

The left-back played 90 minutes for his national team in their 1-0 win over Armenia.

It was Barisic’s first start for Croatia since their previous Euro 2024 qualifier in March.

The defender has struggled for minutes for the national team and has been capped 33 times since his debut five years ago.

Barisic has made seven appearances for Rangers this season and has comfortably been Michael Beale’s first choice at the left side of defence since he took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst last year.

Hutton is hopeful Barisic’s good performance will help him kick on for the Gers.

“He has definitely struggled over the last couple of seasons in terms of international duty,” he told Football Insider.

“Injuries have been a problem for him. I think for his confidence, his international career it is very good.

“I thought he was injured after he missed the Celtic game but he clearly felt alright to go away.

“It is always good to see players going away and doing well. Hopefully he can come back and do that for the team.“

Barisic has made 208 appearances for the Scottish giants since he joined the club.

He has netted eight goals and offered up 52 assists in those outings.

In other news, major Rangers manager update after Graham Potter move.