Ridvan Yilmaz will be working hard in training to try and force his way into Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first team plans.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news from Ibrox ahead of the side’s clash at Hearts this weekend.
Yilmaz has struggled to make an impression at Ibrox since his arrival from Besiktas in a deal worth potentially £5.3m with add-ons.
The 21-year-old has made just three appearances for van Bronckhorst’s side since his arrival in Glasgow, with Borna Barisic currently being the first choice left-back at the club at the time of writing.
And O’Rourke believes that it’s going to be tough for Yilmaz to get in the side but he will be preparing so that he can take his chance when it comes along.
“He’s also got a tough competitor in front of him in Barisic to get into that team.
“So, it’s going to take time and I’m sure he’s getting his head down, trying to work hard in training to impress Giovanni van Bronckhorst to make sure when he does get that chance, he’s ready to take it.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that whilst Yilmaz may feel that he deserves more opportunities in the first-team, it’s impossible to deny the form of Barisic so far this season.
The 29-year-old has rarely let Rangers down during his time at Ibrox, having made 168 appearances for the club since his signing in 2018 for a reported fee of £2.2m.
Having played in successful campaigns including the side’s first Premiership title victory in ten years in 2021, and last season’s run to the Europa League final, it would have been impossible for van Bronckhorst to take the shirt away from Barisic immediately this season.
Therefore, we believe that unfortunately for Yilmaz, he is just going to have to wait for his opportunity in the first-team to attempt to nail down a regular starting spot at Ibrox.