Niko stay at Ibrox is cut short

RANGERS have terminated the contract of Niko Kranjcar and ended his underwhelming stay at the club.

The former Croatian playmaker suffered frequent injuries during his 18-month stint at Ibrox that blunted his ability to make an impact.

Kranjcar, whose deal was up at the end of the season, made just 26 appearances after being signed by Mark Warburton from New York Cosmos in 2016.

The 33-year-old suffered a serious knee injury last year and, although he featured in the goalless draw at Celtic at New Year, his legs had gone.

Kranjcar is now considering his options adding it had been an “honour” to play for Rangers. Meanwhile, Ally Mccoist has slaughtered Joey Barton’s Old Firm display after the Gers flop claimed Scottish football was “Sunday league”.

The legendary Rangers striker said of Barton’s attack: “That was a cry for help. We need to get together and talk to him. He has obviously not recovered from his stint up in Scotland. Joey needs a cuddle!

“He’s talking about making passes that people weren’t reading, I must’ve missed those.

“I didn’t miss the 5-1 doing we got at Celtic with Joey and Niko in the middle of the park. We got absolutely over-run.”

Referring to his own failed two-year spell in the English game, Mccoist also imparted a sharp dose of advice to his punditry colleague.

He said: “We should gloss over both issues and move swiftly on.”

MISFIT Joey Barton had shocking time at Rangers

GONE Niko Kranjcar has had contract terminated