Gerrard joy as Barisic signs deal until 2024

Rangers full-back Borna Barisic has signed a twoyear contract extension.

The 27-year-old is now committed to the Ibrox outfit until 2024 and the news will end speculation over his immediate future.

Rangers are thought to have rebuffed interest from Roma after placing a £10million valuation on the Croatia international.

Barisic has made 52 appearances for Rangers since joining the club from NK Osijek in 2018.

Manager Steven Gerrard said: “I’m delighted that Borna has committed his future to Rangers.

“I speak to Borna a lot, so I know that he is very happy at the club and is enjoying his football right now.

“He has the support of the fans because of his performances on the pitch and we hope that continues for a long time at Rangers.”

Barisic, who has 12 Croatia caps, has contributed seven assists in the Premiership this season.

Barisic said: “I would like to thank the staff I work with every day, our manager Steven Gerrard and my team-mates, who have helped me get to this point.”

Ibrox defender Matt Polster, meanwhile, has vowed to make the most of the second chance he has been given by Gerrard.

The USA international looked set to leave this month, having struggled for first-team action since arriving 12 months ago.

But with skipper James Tavernier out injured and rival right-back Jon Flanagan low on form, the 26-year-old was finally given his opportunity at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Polster was introduced for Flanagan at half-time and, while Rangers lost 2-1 to Hearts, he impressed enough to earn his first Premiership start against Ross County days later.

Polster said: “I was never looking to leave. I read in the media that I am not going anywhere now. That’s what (the manager) has told me.

“I have been working really hard in training and had to be resilient because it has been tough to find minutes. With each chance, I want to progress.”