Borna Barisic is adamant Rangers are not out of the title race with Celtic.

The Ibrox club trail their arch Glasgow rivals by seven-points in the Premiership after 14-games.

A recent poor run of form by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men has allowed the current champions to extend their gap, having beaten them in the first derby match of the season back in September.

A draw at home to Livingston and a defeat to St Johnstone last week caused the further damage to Rangers.

However, Barisic insists Rangers can turn their fortunes round, as he reaffirmed the players’ backing of under-fire boss Van Bronckhorst.

Asked if the current gap was too big to overcome, the left-back responded: “Too big? Nothing is too big. We have seen a lot of things, and everything can change in just a few games. 

“So, I don’t think it’s too big. It’s not small, of course. We cannot go from that. But it’s not that big and I don’t think we need to say now, I don’t know, we are second and that’s it. 

“That can change in two or three games. We play against them like three times more, right? Everything can change. 

“I think this World Cup break will be good for us because players will come back and it will much easier to play having a bigger and deeper squad.

“Of course, we are always behind the manager. We will always fight for the club, for the manager, for the win, for three points.

“The most important thing was three points. We knew how we finished the last game against St Johnstone. We know our situation, that we are not in the best moment now.

“It was not the prettiest game for us, but when things are not going the best you need to fight and sometimes make it a little bit ugly, also. In the end, I think we deserved the points.”

It was a much-needed three-points for Rangers on Wednesday night against Hearts.

Barisic played a huge role in the 1-0 result. He notched the assist for Malik Tillman to sweep the ball home in the second-half of the game.

The Croatian produced a fine ball into the box after being teed up by Ryan Kent, who produced some neat footwork in the build-up play to evade his marker.

“I’m happy because I assist, of course,” Barisic said.  “But I’m happier to help the team win three points, that’s the most important thing.  

“It gives me confidence to assist but the team is the most important.

“I think Ryan is a great player. He showed that a lot of times here. 

“You need to have consistency here, but we cannot forget what he did for the club and I think he’s a really great player. It’s not always easy to play on the highest level but I think he’s very, very important for us. 

“He has shown that a lot of times. He is very dangerous and I like to play with him.” 

On bouncing back from the St Johnstone loss, Barisic said it was important to stay calm.

He was able to use his experience at the club to know how to deal with the situation. For the new boys, it’s not quite as easy.

He added: “I’ve been here a long time, I know the expectation of the club. Since I’ve been here, I’ve had big ups and downs. Not me personally, but the club. 

“Now there is a situation that is not the best. We are not in the best moment and we need to understand that. 

“The players who are not here for so long, who maybe don’t understand, we spoke about that with them.

“Of course, we talk in the dressing room. We know that what we can do now is fight in every game. 

“Maybe this is not the prettiest football from us. Of course, we don’t enjoy in that, the fans also. But three points today was the most important thing and that’s the way we need to look forward.” 

After Saturday’s game in Paisley against St Mirren, Barisic will head straight to Qatar to join his Croatia teammates for the World Cup.

Simply put, being included in the squad for the tournament for his country is a dream come true for the full-back.

He said: “It’s one of the biggest dreams. What can I say? Because it’s the World Cup. You are representing your country, your family. 

“That dream has come true, you know? Also, I’m very thankful to Rangers because they gave me the opportunity that if I play well here, I can be called for the national team. 

“I want to thank the staff, players and everyone around the club because they are a big part of this. And I will represent Rangers also, so I’m very happy and proud.”

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