Borna Barisic, Jack Butland, Celtic Park & more: 5 questions arise from Ross County nonsense

14/04/2024 15:42

As soon as Ross County's third goal went in in Dingwall, you could almost hear a collective sigh from Rangers fans around the country.

In a favourable position in the title race ahead of the split, Rangers only had to come to lowly Ross County and win to maintain pressure at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Having lost their place at the summit of Scottish football courtesy of Dundee's shoddy pitch, it now looks a tall order to reclaim as the bottle of Philippe Clement's side once again crashes.

Credit to Ross County – who created about as much as we did in the first half but went in 1-0 down – who sensed Rangers' lethargy, indecision and wastefulness in a rampant second half.

The 3-2 victory is also the first time Ross County have ever beaten Rangers in their entire history, so kudos to Don Cowie and his team.

Racing into a 3-1 lead, Rangers only found a way back into the match through a James Tavernier penalty but never created anywhere near enough to be labelled a championship winning team.

In a dramatic day in Dingwall which might've just seen Rangers' title chances slip from their grasp, here are the five burning questions as the pressure ramps up on this Ibrox squad.

Did Rangers throw away title advantage v Ross County?

Well, yes, but there's an argument we done this last week.

Rangers were in an immense position heading into the Old Firm derby but fluffed their lines at Ibrox to give themselves a mountain to climb.

It's becoming a habit quite clearly after the side's woeful second half start contributed to Ross County's quickfire treble.

Celtic now hold all the cards and a four point advantage in the Scottish Premiership which can be cut to a solitary point with a Rangers win away at Dundee.

But going by this Ross County showing – and amid the drama surrounding the game – the trip to Dundee is certainly going to be no gimme.

John Nelms and co away from home on a terrible pitch after putting in one of the most lacklustre performances of the season v Ross County just days before? What could possibly go wrong.

The league title is certainly not beyond Rangers even with the defeat to Ross County but anymore slip ups and it could be curtains.

You expect Celtic will be watertight between now and the final whistle.

Is this Rangers forward line playing for their Ibrox careers?

Cyriel Dessers has been the butt of a bad joke several times this season but the Rangers striker's profligate finishing was no laughing matter against Ross County.

It's not just the Nigerian Nightmare either. Fabio Silva is another who is frustrating the life out of Rangers fans and who is, quite simply, not scoring enough goals.

Abdallah Sima was rusty on his first start since returning from injury, but even then reports of £15m asking prices are starting to make a permanent move feel unlikely.

Kemar Roofe came off the bench and was largely ineffectual, even if it was his action which led to the penalty, whilst Rabbi Matondo can't be expected to score a top corner screamer every match.

Danilo aside – the £6m Brazilian spending the bulk of his debut season at Rangers sidelined – we'd be surprised to see any of these guys line up at Ibrox next season.

We don't particularly think any of them are doing enough to merit the jersey and as another game full of big moments passes many of them by, we could, and maybe should, have a whole new forward line next season.

Can Rangers keep a hold of Jack Butland?

What must Jack Butland be thinking of his Rangers defenders?

On another day we'd be praising the goalkeeper for pulling off a series of wonderful stops but for his teammate's lethargic responses.

Twice the goalkeeper pulled off wonderful saves for the rebounds to be fired home and twice the Rangers defence was found wanting as a result.

With England manager Gareth Southgate in the stands last week, it's clear the stopper has eyes on him down south.

Nottingham Forest had a nibble in January and for all the niceties about his time at Rangers and working here, our limitations showed the stopper up badly here.

Jack Butland is a Premier League quality goalkeeper and a class above every other player in his position in Scotland.

Can we say the same for our defence?

It doesn't help that Rangers have also been linked to goalkeepers in the media.

Has Borna Barisic played his last game for Rangers?

Borna Barisic certainly looks like he's counting down the last few days of his Rangers career.

And he's playing like it too.

The Croatian international left-back, 31, has reportedly agreed terms with Turkish side Trabzonspor but was included from the start v Dundee.

Whilst as things stand that chatter around a contract elsewhere is just paper talk, it's clear the left-back has regressed badly.

Not offering enough at either end of the park – Ross County's equaliser coming down his side of the pitch – the Rangers left-back was hooked early in the second half.

We expect the man who replaced him, Dujon Sterling, to start in the berth going forward whilst Borna Barisic, barring any injuries, might probably have played his final game for Rangers.

Can Rangers go to Celtic Park and win?

This is the biggie.

After surrendering the title advantage Rangers will likely need to go to Celtic Park and win if they are to be crowned Scottish Premiership champions.

Given our timidity in the face of our rivals at Ibrox last weekend, you'll forgive Rangers fans for doubting our credentials.

This Rangers team seem to love giving themselves a mountain to climb and their body language suggests they've got a penchant for wallowing in it.

Last week's draw, and this week's Dundee meandering, looked to have an effect on this Rangers side who lacked the critical belief that they could go on and beat Ross County.

That our goals came from an OG and a penalty speaks volumes and with this forward line, this attitude and this continuing lack of self belief, Celtic Park looks a very tall order indeed.

Stranger things have certainly happened but Rangers have it all to do and have it all to prove to their supporters.