Now, I’m never one to wish any of our players injured, but after the weekend’s reports about one of our European Championship stars, it’s maybe not a bad thing that he had to sit a game out.
Borna Barisic has been a regular starter at left-back for his country with England fans recognising him as one of their biggest threats, hiring a plane to fly over their players training indicating that most of Croatia’s goals come from the left hand side would probably give this away.
Unfortunately though, the Gers full-back missed out on the opportunity to impress some of the reported clubs said to be interested with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Wolves joining Leeds United in the queue for his signature.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic later revealed why he was omitted from the squad altogether and not just the starting line up:
“Barisic has had problems with injuries for the last ten days, Guardiol is now the most prepared.”
What every Rangers fan will want to see is a battle between Barisic and Nathan Patterson when the two countries meet next week, it would be fascinating to watch them in direct opposition to see who comes out on top.
Patterson knows that he would have to stop the Croatian from getting crosses in whilst the older, more experienced defender will know that he will have his work cut out in 1 v 1s against the quicker, more direct youngster.
Hopefully Barisic returns to face the Czech Republic in his team’s second fixture, that creativity was an issue against the English should see him restored – if he can prove his fitness.