BORNA BARISIC is determined to repay Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and kick-start his Ibrox career after firing the Light Blues to victory over St Mirren.

The Croatian was the hero for Gerrard’s side on Sunday as he curled home a terrific free-kick on the hour mark that clinched all three points over the Buddies.

Barisic moved to Ibrox from Osijek last summer but has yet to really establish himself for Rangers as he has found the going tough at times and been out of the team as he battles with Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday for the left-back berth.

But he made the most of his recall to the team here as his lovely set-piece strike proved the difference on a scorching day in the Paisley sunshine.

Barisic said: “Of course [it has been tough], but that is normal in a career. Sometimes you have a very good day, sometimes no. Sometimes it is good, sometimes no.

“I want to be all the time ready and the boss gave me a chance. We won and that is the most important thing.

“It is a lot of things and it is a hard question to be honest. If you go from my first day at Rangers, it was everything was new and fine. But then when you have injuries it is very tough and especially when you come from a league like Croatia to Scotland.

“It is a different type and you need to be very prepared physically. Last year, I wasn’t on that level but this year I think I have had a very good pre-season and in Croatia before pre-season I did a lot of training to be on top.

“Now, I just want to play in every game. The gaffer gave me a chance to play.

“He speaks a lot to the players and I have read sometimes that I have problems with the manager.

“That is not true. I always speak with him and we have a very good relationship.”

The strike from Barisic was one of the few moments of quality that Rangers produced in the final third as they struggled to break down a defensive St Mirren line-up.

The 26-year-old thought he had scored a similar free-kick in the win away to St Joseph’s in the Europa League but was denied the goal as Connor Goldson netted the rebound.

There was no doubting this one, however, as he and his team-mates rushed to celebrate with supporters behind the goal.

Barisic said: “It was a very special moment for me to be honest. Officially it was my first goal, but I think it was my second!

“It was the first time that I could go straight with the fans and celebrate with them, especially when every point is important. It was very special.

“It was unbelievable, very nice. I have waited for that moment.

“When I scored in Gibraltar, I couldn’t go to the fans because Connor scored. This is my first goal officially so I am very happy. I took the yellow card because of that.

“We always focus on the game we have and now it is only for Legia. Rangers is a very big club and the mentality is that you always have to win and be focused on the next game. It is a good start for the next seven days.”

Boss Gerrard backed Barisic to use his performance in Paisley as the springboard for further improvements in his game as he stepped up at a crucial moment for Rangers.

And the Croatian internationalist has played down suggestions he could move on from Ibrox this summer after he penned a four-year deal last August.

Barisic said: “I don’t know what people talk but I only know I am fully focused on Rangers. I am a Rangers player and that it is.”