Steven Gerrard could well have a decision to make ahead of tonight’s important game on who will get the nod for penalty duty.
Borna Barisic followed up two successful spot kicks in Antwerp last week with a penalty miss in Sunday’s Premiership win over Dundee United.
At the post-match press conference, as attended live by VitalRangers, Gerrard was probed on the issue.
He was asked, in James Tavernier’s absence, will Barisic step up to the mark again or if other players will come forward.
The manager responded: “I’m sure he (BB) will put his hand up.”
“It shows that he’s human, missing the penalty today,”
“I think Jermain Defoe was trying to put his name on it but didn’t really have much time.”
“Look, if not Barisic, I’m sure there will be a queue. Everyone wants to take penalties, it’s a great opportunity to score.”
“I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t put his hand up, that’s for sure.”
Capability
Whilst that was possibly a diplomatic answer in front of the press from Gerrard, he will be very keen to maximise opportunities from the penalty spot with some doubt over Tavernier and now Barisic.
This issue is likely to have been addressed on the training pitch.
However, if not the Croatian then who could be next?
Jermain Defore will not be a contender tonight as he is not part of the Europa League squad and Alfredo Morelos is not a renowned clean striker of a dead ball.
Despite missing a penalty in the Last 32 second leg in Braga, last season, an obvious candidate would be Ianis Hagi who has displayed his set-piece talents on many occasions.
The Romanian international would appear to very keen – and is capable – to take the responsibility from 12 yards if called upon.