‘Miles ahead’ – Ex-Rangers star makes January transfer call as Ibrox links emerge already

Former Rangers star Niko Katic has claimed Josh Doig would provide healthy competition to Borna Barisic if he moved to Ibrox in January, but claimed the Croatian is still miles ahead.

Katic is close friends with the defender and suggested that while Doig impressed him during his time at Hibernian, Barisic would remain the first choice in his position should he arrive at Ibrox.

He went on to insist Barisic is happy playing under Philippe Clement and suggested the left-back could remain at Ibrox for another two or three years.

Speaking to the Daily Record [8 January], Katic shared: “Borna’s a top player. He’s been playing for almost six years consistently at a high level. That’s not down to luck. He’s done it consistently for a long time.

“I’m sure the people at Rangers are aware of his qualities and would like to keep him for another two or three years.

“I’ve spoken with Borna and he’s enjoying it under Clement, so I think they will make a new deal. With all due respect to those two [Doig and Yilmaz], I think Borna is miles ahead.

“I remember Doig from Hibs. He’s a good player. If he were to join Rangers it would give Borna some healthy competition.

But Borna had that with Calvin Bassey too. In the end, Borna proved a lot of times why he is the No1 in that position.”

Barisic has remained first-choice

Regardless of the general consensus on how Barisic has performed so far this season, Katic is right. He has made that spot his own at Ibrox since he arrived despite the pressure, and could continue to do so should Doig arrive in this transfer window.

There has been increased scrutiny on his performances this season, with a number of Rangers stars underperforming, and with his deal set to expire in the summer and no decision made, that scrutiny and speculation will continue.

Should Doig arrive at Ibrox, he would be looking to challenge Barisic for the number one spot at left-back to push himself into the Scotland setup for Euro 2024, with Ibrox the ideal place to make that step up.

Rangers will have to make a call over the Croatian soon with regard to his contract, but if Doig arrives, keeps the pressure high and proves he can cut it at Rangers, it may spell a quick end to Barisic’s career in Glasgow.

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