Borna Barisic: European run gives Rangers more confidence

Rangers defender Borna Barisic believes the team can take confidence from another European victory and can dream big after reaching the last four of the Europa League.

The Ibrox side won 3-1 after extra-time in the second leg of their quarter-final against Braga, setting up a semi-final clash with RB Leipzig.

Barisic says the team can dream of something special and take heart from a run that has seen them knock out Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade as well as Thursday’s Portuguese opposition.

“We are dreaming now but we know the semi-final will be very tough,” he said.

“These games give us confidence, especially games like this. We play this extra-time and show our team spirit and we showed we are capable.

“The semi-finals of the Europa League is a big achievement for the club, for the fans and for us personally. “

Barisic was in the starting line-up after a difficult recent spell that saw him lose his spot at left back to Calvin Bassey. After impressing against St Mirren on Sunday, the Croat defender was one of Rangers’ best players against Braga, creating numerous chances on runs down the left flank.

Though he was substituted in apparent discomfort, he said he will be fit to face Celtic in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

“I’m very happy to help the team,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of weeks that were a little bit harder but I always worked in training because I knew my chance would come and I wanted to help the team.

“It’s not an injury, it’s just cramps. I felt it but tried to play until the end and then I couldn’t, probably because I hadn’t played for a long time.”

Though celebrating European success, Rangers will quickly turn their attention to the match against their rivals at Hampden on Sunday. Barisic admits the extra time may have taken its toll but insists the team will be ready for their next challenge.

“It is what it is,” he said. “It would have been much better if it takes 90 minutes but it takes 120.

“The most important thing is that we won this game.

“From tomorrow we will think about Sunday. It would be better if we played 90 but we are professionals and we are ready.”