'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.