'Exceptional' Rangers loanee doing all the right things amid frustrating spell as lack of minutes explained
Ibrox star was farmed out to the EFL Championship last month
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg described Rangers loanee as ‘exceptional’ in training and that he only needs ‘a bit of luck’ to make his mark on the first team.
The Scotland international is yet to feature for the Teesside outfit since finalising his season-long loan on deadline day. A pre-season injury setback scuppered the 24-year old’s chance of an early start. However, even though he’s now returned to full fitness, he’s been an unused substitute in Boro’s last three outings.
Barron’s omission has been understandable given the success of Hellberg’s side so far this season. The Riverside club currently sit third in the Championship and are chasing promotion back to the big time. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson claimed last week that Rangers should recall Barron if his lack of game time continues.
Hellberg explains Barron’s lack of minutes
Also struggling for minutes on Teesside is fellow midfielder Leo Castledine. Speaking to the Northern Echo, Hellberg explained that he’s not just going to gift appearances for the sake of it - but also claimed the pair are heading in the right direction. He said: “My job is not to give people things or be kind. You have to measure things all the time.
“Sometimes it's down to competition, sometimes it's down to the performance, how they train and all those things. For both Connor and Leo, they've done a lot of good things lately on the training ground and sometimes for a player it can be down to a little bit of luck. Both of them are doing everything they can on the ground. Both Leo and Connor are exceptional and that is important because their chance [of playing] goes up. Then you need to be ready.”
Why does Ferguson think Rangers should consider recalling Barron?
Ferguson worked with Barron during his brief spell as Rangers gaffer last year. He believes there’s no point in him staying at a club that won’t aid his development. He told the Five Stars Podcast: "He (Barron) hasn’t even kicked a ball. You would need to bring him back, and say, ‘listen, if he's not going to be part of the plans he needs to go somewhere to play.’
“He is good enough to play. Wee Connor, in my opinion, is a really good player. He is at an age where he needs to play every single week. If he is not going to get any game time - which I am surprised at Middlesbrough, why would they take him if they are not going to play him? - you would need to bring him back and maybe try to get him another loan. But, I am surprised he has not played any minutes at all."
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