BORNA BARISIC comes and goes. The song in his honour is heartfelt, but has more than a hint of being damned with faint praise.

When the left-back is on his game and at his peak, he is one of the finest players in the country. When his levels drop and confidence dips, he looks a shadow of the man that supporters know and love.

The fortunes of Barisic in recent weeks almost sum up his Rangers career and he has completed another remarkable rise back to form and prominence just when it looked like his stock had fallen.

It was high enough at one point for the likes of Roma and Napoli to be credited with an interest in a major move but time will tell what the future holds for the Croatian internationalist.

Barisic has played his part in a Rangers revival throughout his Ibrox career. Once again, he is striding forward on a personal basis after taking steps back during difficult moments.

“I spoke to a couple of people when I came to Rangers," Barisic said. "When I joined I knew how tough a time the club had had.

“But I also knew how this club was before that. This club is now back there. I am very proud to have been part of that.

“This semi final in Europa League is a great achievement not only for the players but for the club, for the fans.

"Because we are now back in Europe, everyone recognises us and knows that we are capable and have a very good team.

“Yes [I was always confident I would get back to this level]. This is not the first time something like that happened to me.

"It’s normal in every sport. In life you have ups and downs. The most important thing in moments like that is that you train very well, you do your best and know always that your time will come.

"That’s what happened to me this time. It’s not easy, it’s tough, but if you want to be at a level it’s something you need to do.”

The coming weeks offer Barisic the chance to hit new heights domestically and on the continent as Rangers seek Scottish Cup silverware and Europa League glory under the guidance of boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Thrilling extra-time victories over Braga and Celtic have opened up opportunities for the Ibrox squad as they got their rewards for incredible mental and physical efforts at Ibrox and Hampden.

Such exertions cannot be allowed to go to waste. That is now the challenge for a squad will see their season defined by a handful of key fixtures.

Barisic said: “It was a huge week and we are absolutely delighted with what was probably our best week this season and with two titles still to achieve.

"The league is also still there so we are still thinking about that.

“Yes we are very pleased about the Europa League and to be in the Scottish Cup final. It is very big and we are very happy.

“Yes, I am very happy. I didn’t play for a couple of games, but I was always doing a lot in training, waiting for a moment like this to try and help the team.

"I knew that moment would come. I think I have used that very well and I am very happy I have been able to help the team in those games.

“It was two huge games. It was very tough, not only physically but also mentally. We got a couple of days off after that and some rest.

“Physically and mentally, we are in a very good position because of that.

"When you are playing on Thursday for 120 minutes then of course you are physically tired.

“But mentality is the thing that pushes you to play again for 120 minutes. We have shown the character before and we showed it again that we are capable of doing big things."