Rangers fitness boost ahead of Celtic match as Borna Barisic declared fit for Croatia

Rangers have received a boost ahead of the first Old Firm derby of the season after Borna Barisic was declared fit to start for Croatia.

Rangers defender Borna Barisic was injured against Ross County but looks set to start for Croatia against France on Wednesday night. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The left-back picked up a knock in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Ross County which caused him to miss his country’s last two matches against Switzerland and Sweden, placing his fitness into doubt ahead of the trip to Celtic Park this Saturday.

However, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has confirmed that the 27-year-old is likely to return to the starting line-up on Wednesday night as they host France in a Nations League Group B match in Zagreb.

Dalic is reported to have said: "Barisic is fine now, we didn't want to take any risks with him, he skipped those two games, but now he is completely ready and will be ready for the French."

Steven Gerrard will now hope the defender comes through the match unscathed with injury doubts already over Allan McGregor, Kemar Roofe, Joe Aribo and Filip Helander.