Rangers play host to Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday in the Scottish Cup.
Graeme Murty is expected to make a number of changes to his Rangers side ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Falkirk at Ibrox, and Niko Kranjcar should be knocking on his manager’s door to get a start.
The 33-year-old has featured just once for the Light Blues in 2018 as he continues to suffer problems with the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered last season – a problem which ruled him out for much of the season.
But after his father – former Croatia manager Zlatko Kranjcar – claimed the Rangers playmaker could retire at the end of his contract due to his knee problems, Niko should plead with Murty for a start.
The left-footed set-piece specialist has just a few months remaining on his Ibrox contract, and has done little next to nothing this season to prove that he is worthy of an extension.
But Kranjcar is only 33. Less than two years ago he was turning out for Champions League side Dynamo Kiev, three years ago he was playing for QPR in the Premier League.
He may want to show the footballing world, and manager Murty, that his father is wrong and that he still has plenty in his locker when it comes pulling on the Light Blues’ jersey.
The best way to do that would be to convince Murty that he is ready to start on Sunday against Championship side Falkirk, and shine in the middle of the park by orchestrating a convincing Gers win.
It could even tempt Murty into handing the Croatian a new contract extension, if Sunday’s performance is a catalyst for a much-improved Kranjcar throughout the rest of the season.
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