The Rangers man was left out last time at Ibrox but has had a positive international break.
Steven Gerrard should consider bringing Rangers defender Borna Barisic back into the fold at Ibrox on Saturday after he made positive progress in Croatia’s national team.
The left-back was left out of the recent derby at home to Celtic, with Jon Flanagan instead preferred.
Given that Flanagan doesn’t offer much of an attacking threat and that the Hoops were playing new signings at right-back, it was a curious decision from the Gers boss.
Barisic still doesn’t quite seem to have convinced his manager that he is a prime pick in the position.
Fluctuating form and fitness issues are to blame, but much of the latter appears to be behind him now.
He deserves a run in the team to see what he can do over a lengthy period. That’s the only way to truly determine if he will make the grade at Ibrox.
Croatia, the seventh ranked international team in the world, certainly seem to rate him.
The 26-year-old has played two full 90 minutes for his nation over the international break.
The first came in a 4-0 win away to Slovakia. Last night’s match was away to Azerbaijan, with Croatia drawing.
Picking up four points, the country have ensured they sit top of their Euro 2020 qualifying group after five matches.
Rangers will be expecting to dominate possession and territory against Livi and the wide threat that Barisic can provide with his crossing ability could be a key weapon.
Gerrard was left impressed by Flanagan after the derby, claiming he was the only player who could hold his head high, but it’s hard to see how he’d be a better option this weekend.
The team that the Rangers boss goes with will be fascinating considering his dissatisfaction with the overall display against Celtic.
All eyes will be on the Saturday’s announcement.
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