I am lucky enough as I have been given a chance to play more games by rangers boss despite me coming new

Besiktas president responds to Ridvan Yilmaz rumors, explains why Rangers purchased him

Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi has responded to transfer rumors around Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, suggesting that he would be given more minutes this season by his team.

Besiktas reportedly wanted to bring Yilmaz back to the club on a season-long loan before their transfer deadline on September 15 [Fanatik, 7 September], but the rumours have since been debunked.

According to Nur Cebi, the Rangers’ original goal when they acquired Yilmaz last summer was for him to serve as a backup to Borna Barisic for a year before being introduced into the first squad the following season.

The Besiktas president told Turkish site SportsDigitale, as cited by the Daily Record [12 September], “They signed him last year in preparation, and this year Ridvan will play more games there.”

The statement appears to have put an end to speculation over the left-back’s future in Glasgow, and he will be looking for more playing time as the season progresses, as he is presently the backup to first-choice option Barisic.

Time will tell if this holds true.

By no means does this indicate Yilmaz will be a first-team regular by the conclusion of the season. Let’s say the assertion was correct – a lot can happen in a year. He may still be considered ineligible for a regular starting spot.

He should, however, be given more chances than he has thus far. With Barisic’s inconsistent start to the season and doubt about his long-term future at the club, Yilmaz should offer the club with a ready-made successor.

Even if it means taking a little longer than the two-year plan, he might be introduced into the side on a more regular basis this season before taking over from Barisic when he inevitably leaves Ibrox.

Yilmaz’s only appearance this season came in a 1-0 loss to Celtic at Ibrox, where he came on as a 65th-minute substitute. Dujon Sterling was chosen to replace the injured Barisic, presumably as a hint of Beale’s preference.

In unrelated Rangers news, a BBC pundit claims the club has made a decision on Beale’s future.