The truth about Borna as Rangers’ Croat fights back

Yesterday’s comfortable stroll into the next round of the Scottish Cup was important on a number of levels, not least of all seeing Filip Helander fit again, not to mention bagging himself a goal.

One of the most important things for us was seeing Borna Barisic smiling again.

We told you he’d start, because he needed minutes against lesser opposition, and a return of the confidence which has evidently deserted him.

He quite simply had a bad night v Celtic, in which he wasn’t the only one, but from a temporary loss of form and direction, confidence has subsequently gone too, and he was visibly shaky when he came on v Hibs, and took a while before establishing himself in that match.

In the end, he was ok on the day but that was despite a very lukewarm reception when he came on. It wasn’t quite booing, but it was muted and subdued, and Borna knew at that moment his popularity had taken a hit.

And he’s having to work hard to regain that popularity.

Admittedly the comments he made in his presser about how fans would ‘know his situation come February’ weren’t the wisest, but what’s done is done, and he’s still our player and on his day by a distance the best LB in the country and one of Britain’s best too.

And seeing him with a smile again yesterday was extremely welcome.

Something fans may not have noticed at Parkhead was the rabbit in headlights look young Amad Diallo had, but who was it pre-match putting an arm round him and giving him support? It was Borna.

He needs that support himself now, and Gio is certainly giving it.

Which is why seeing that smile yesterday was important.

Hopefully Borna finds his way back now.