STEVEN SMITH always knew that Borna Barisic had the ability to become a key man for Rangers.

Now the former Ibrox left-back is delighted to see the Croatian prove his mentality as he shows his importance to Steven Gerrard's side this term.

Barisic recovered from a difficult debut campaign at Ibrox to produce a series of impressive performances during his second season under Gerrard's guidance.

But those levels have risen once again this season and two goals and ten assists highlight the integral role that the 28-year-old has as part of a Rangers side that are leading the way in the Premiership.

"Going back to when we spoke the first time," Smith told the ‘Rangers Fans Corner’ on Ten10 Podcasts.

"I think I mentioned that he had the attributes to be a top full-back but he wasn’t showing it at that moment in time and he was probably going through a difficult spell at that point in time.

"It takes a big character to turn that around, especially when you are getting criticised at a big football club and I think he has got to take great credit for that, and also for the manager as well for sticking by him for that period and guiding him through it. He did always show those attributes to be a top full-back.

"It is unbelievable and I have got the privilege of watching it for RangersTV and still getting to go to the games and every time he gets a free-kick in a certain area you think he is going to score.

"He makes it look so easy and it is really not. It is a difficult technique but he seems to have mastered it and his deliveries from the wide areas are exceptional.

"When you have got him on one side and the numbers that Tavernier is producing on the other side, I think when people tell you the numbers it is scary. You are talking about forward players and strikers not even reaching those numbers so the two of them have been outstanding."

*Steven Smith was speaking on the Rangers Fans Corner, hosted by Steven Clifford, on Ten10 Podcasts. Ten10 is available on all major platforms and also provide match reaction from Mark Hateley and Alex Rae. To subscribe, visit www.ten10podcasts.com or follow @Ten10Podcasts on Twitter.