‘Doesn’t Handle It’ – Pundit view: Rangers player cannot start vs Celtic amid mental struggles

Derek Ferguson believes that if Ridvan Yilmaz isn’t healthy enough to play against Celtic, Borna Barisic shouldn’t start for Rangers.

Due to his struggles in this rivalry over the previous several seasons, the former Ibrox favourite believes the Croatian full-back doesn’t handle the psychological strain of an Old Firm derby well.

After suffering an injury during the international break, Turkey defender Yilmaz’s availability is in question. Philippe Clement expressed his uncertainty during the team’s pregame press conference on Friday, April 5.

Ferguson would therefore prefer to see “superb” Dujon Sterling start at left back on Sunday if the 22-year-old is unable to play, even though the utility player would ideally be most useful in the middle of the field.

He said to Ibrox News in an exclusive interview, “I don’t think it’s a fixture for Barisic.” I don’t need to provide any evidence to support it. Because he hasn’t handled it well mentally over the past couple of seasons.

“I don’t think Barisic handles the immense pressure this matchup brings well; that’s not to suggest he’s not a talented player.

“Yilmaz ought to go right in there if he’s fit. If not, Sterling may enter there in my opinion, even though there are questions about him. Sterling has performed incredibly well. He has experience playing a wide variety of positions.

“I seem to remember that he played there last Saturday against Hibs. He entered the game for the final ten to fifteen minutes and did so without any issues or problems.

“Ideally, I hope Yilmaz is healthy; that would be an added benefit, as having Sterling in my starting lineup would definitely put him in the middle of the park.”

After some high-profile losses in recent years, especially at Parkhead, Ferguson won’t be the only Gers fan concerned about Barisic playing against Brendan Rodgers’ team. Dujon Sterling is tipped for the Rangers full-back post if Ridvan Yilmaz is sidelined.

This season, Sterling has proven to be a valuable asset wherever Philippe Clement has used him. However, if Yilmaz is well enough to start, as a recent update had indicated, many issues would appear to be resolved.

The Rangers campaign has been beset by injury concerns, but Abdallah Sima is healthy enough to play, so it would be extremely encouraging for the fans if the full-back also recovers in a timely manner.

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