Ibrox view: 24y/o will get Rangers starting shot in coming weeks
The latest international break is nearly over and attention now returns to Rangers and how Steven Gerrard can manage his side through the busy festive schedule.
With Scottish Premiership, Europa League and Betfred Cup fixtures coming thick and fast over the next month or so, rotation will be more important than ever, representing a great opportunity for some of the club’s fringe players.
One such player is Brandon Barker, who has impressed on his rare appearances so far this season.
In eight Scottish Premiership appearances, four of which came from the start, the attacking midfielder has scored two goals, while completing 0.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes. He also averages three shots and 37.5 completed passes per 90 (via WhoScored).
For a player that has been in and out of the side these are some impressive numbers. However, at 24 years of age, he will likely be impatient to really establish himself as a starter.
In this Rangers side that is easier said than done and Gerrard has plenty of options at his disposal, in the shape of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent. But with three matches in six days against Aberdeen, Benfica and Falkirk, the former England man will be forced to rotate and this will give Barker a real chance to prove his worth.
Able to play on either wing or in an advanced central role, he perfectly suits either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system and can has shown his ability to bring goals and creativity to the side.
With Jermain Defoe, Cedric Itten and other fringe players also likely to appear against Falkirk and perhaps in the league against Aberdeen too, the former Preston North End man has the opportunity to elevate himself above some of his rivals.
Competition for places is great and Gerrard certainly has that, but players like Barker have to take their chance when it comes.
In other Rangers news, ‘Blinder’ – Rangers star set for start after goalscoring cameo