Rangers: Connor Barron gets fresh Scotland hope pre-World Cup as expanded squad to be named
Rangers midfielder Connor Barron may sense an opportunity after Scotland boss Steve Clarke revealed he has to name a provisional 55-man list for the World Cup.
Clarke unveiled a 26-man squad for Scotland’s friendly games against Japan and the Ivory Coast but he will be looking to fill 29 more places soon.
That is because FIFA rules stipulate that the Scots must provide an initial 55-person group for this summer’s competition in North America.
The enlarged squad deadline is 11 May, before the final roster of names gets submitted by 30 May.
Rangers star Barron will be dreaming of a World Cup spot, and while that seems unlikely, the 23-year-old, among others, may be buoyed by this development.
⚽Rangers match day ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Rangers fixture.
Steve Clarke makes light of enlarged squad list
Barron didn’t make Scotland’s squad for their 1-0 loss to Japan, nor Tuesday’s clash with the Ivory Coast.
The defensive midfielder returned from a knee injury in mid-March, with January signing Tochi Chukwuani filling in for him since then.
| Connor Barron vs Tochi Chukwuani | |
| Barron: Two assists, 31 games, 17 starts | Sofascore rating: 6.92 |
| Chukwuani: One goal, one assist, 11 games, nine starts | Sofascore rating: 6.98 |
Barron may find it hard to get his place back in the starting line-up, with the one-time Scotland international making two cameo outings since his return from injury.
A World Cup spot seems like a distant pipe dream. But to Clarke, the expanded list was a big source of amusement.
He told reporters: “It’s a FIFA requirement where you have a squad of 55 names. I’m definitely number 55!
“I will find 55 names for sure. I will find 55 names. It is just a FIFA requirement, that is what we will have to do.
“Hopefully I don’t forget anybody! (Assistant manager) Steven Naismith wants another cap, so I have got Naisy as well!”
Previously, Clarke would have only needed to let a handful of players down when it came to missing the World Cup squad list cut.
Now, he will have to gently break the news to dozens of Scottish hopefuls in the coming months.
But the good news for Barron and one or two others, you would imagine, is they will at least get a chance to impress before the final squad is then announced.
Are Rangers favourites to win the title?
After a disappointing draw in the Scottish Premiership to rivals Celtic, coupled with a Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat to the Hoops a week later, the mood around Ibrox was fairly low in early March.
However, as the international break nears its conclusion, Rangers sit second in the Scottish Premiership, just three points behind surprise leaders Hearts.
Celtic slipped up at Dundee United last time out, leaving them two points adrift of Danny Rohl’s side.
Due to Hearts’ inexperience in this position, Rangers have been backed to go on and lift the league title in May.
But there will likely be plenty of twists and turns to come along the way.
And Barron will hope he can be influential in Rangers’ title bid, while holding an outside shot of heading to the World Cup with Scotland.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.