Borna Barisic enjoyed 90 minutes for Croatia on Tuesday as they beat Bulgaria 2-1 in a practice game played in Qatar.
The importance of this game time should not be underestimated as the Gers left sided man could well have a part to play on Sunday. In truth, Calvin Bassey is likely still ahead of the Croat in the pecking order but a senior player with quality like Barisic will also be an option ready to be utilised from the bench if called upon.
Obviously, his horror show last time out at Parkhead still endures in the memory but that game is gone and the player will be keen to prove it. Fresh from a full game with his national team, the 29-year old will be in good condition heading into the weekend.
Against Bulgaria, he was effectively deployed as a wing-back in a new look shape, allowing him to get forward at will to make the most of his cross balls and whipping ability. That came after he was an unused sub in the game last week against Slovenia, a 1-1 draw.
Levels
Ultimately, the levels in the Croatia camp are high. Players like Modric, Perisic, Majer, Vlasic and co will demand the best from each other and rightly so. There is further competition for the same position from the likes of Gvardiol and even intra Old Firm rivalry with Juranovic so it will have been a positive week away for Barisic, absolutely.
He recently spoke of his frustration at losing his place at Ibrox, but still made the right noises and ultimately in order to change course, he needs to recapture the Rangers form that made the starting slot his own.
Over the course of this title race to come, there is still a role for the Croatian to rise to, whether he ‘comes or goes’.