By Football Insider speaking to Jackie McNamara

7th Feb, 2020 | 12:21pm

'Big difference' - Ibrox Exclusive: McNamara reacts as Rangers agree new £4m+ deal

Jackie McNamara claims that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard will be delighted to see Borna Barisic put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Ibrox.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Celtic and Scotland defender insists that the 27-year-old has made a significant difference with his performances this season.

Rangers confirmed last week that they had agreed a new contract with the Croatian international, with Football Insider exclusively revealing his four-year deal will be worth in excess of £4million.

McNamara says that the left-back appears to be brimming with confidence after a fine run of form for the Light Blues, insisting he has been a game-changer for Gerrard at times this campaign.

Asked if Gerrard would be delighted with the defender’s new deal, McNamara told Football Insider: “Yeah, I think he will be. He’s been good for them, for Gerrard this year.

“He’s made a big difference. He’s put in some good performances, set up a few goals and I think there’s been some confidence from that.

“It’s like anything, he’s a confidence player and he’s now settled in at the club.” 

Barisic has established himself as the first-choice left-back for Gerrard, playing 32 times and chipping in with 14 assists already this season.

He had a hit-and-miss first year at Ibrox, with just 27 appearances across all competitions as the likes of Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday featured in his place.

In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that Gerrard has earmarked an Ibrox “gem” to play a big part for him in the near future.