Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Scott Mason

Tue 14 April 2026 10:40, UK

Connor Barron has set himself two tasks for the rest of the season: Winning the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers and going to the World Cup with Scotland.

The midfielder had been a regular feature for Danny Rohl before January, but injury and winter signings have limited his minutes ever since.

Beforehand, the thought of Barron heading to North America with Scotland may not have seemed far-fetched.

However, now that goal may be too big an ask, with his prospective game time at Rangers not looking too promising at the moment.

Ahead of Rangers’ league split fixtures, Barron will want to get involved as much as he can, but unfortunately, he may be better off on the bench.

Why Connor Barron will struggle to break back into Rangers’ starting lineup

There is undoubtedly a quality player in Barron, but the Scotsman’s January injury ultimately arrived at the worst possible time for his World Cup hopes.

Over the last few weeks, Rohl’s midfield has been set in stone, with the duo of Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani coming up trumps.

In the last three games, the partnership has been involved in a combined five goals. With a title on the cards, shaking up that relationship in the middle of the pitch would be an enormous risk at this stage.

Additionally, Barron is not as much of a physical presence in the midfield, with his duel success falling behind the two aforementioned midfielders.

Out of the three, Barron has the lowest ground duel success (53.8 per cent) and the lowest aerial duel success (42.9 per cent) as well.

However, it is not just how successful he is, but rather how many duels he contests per game. The 23-year-old only wins 0.4 aerial duels per game.

When looking to keep control of games and regain possession, having the ability to win your individual battles is a key asset.

Ultimately, it is one area in which Barron falls short compared to his teammates, therefore making his pathway back into the starting lineup unclear.

Barron, who told Sky Sports that making Scotland’s World Cup squad “would be a dream come true”, may now miss out on his chance.

Connor Barron still has a role to play for Rangers

While he may not be able to impact games from kick-off, Barron is still trusted by Rohl, who has brought him onto the pitch in each of the last four Rangers games since his return from injury.

In Rangers’ 6-3 win against Falkirk, he was given 13 minutes.

That showcases there is still a level of respect from the German for the qualities the Scotsman has to offer, with his ability to keep possession at a top level.

However, getting into the Scotland squad as a rotation player at Rangers may prove difficult, but that is not to say it cannot happen.

Although with Barron only having one international cap, tha chances of being thrown into a World Cup squad look even slimmer.

It may turn out to be a pipe dream, but with strong cameos off the bench and helping the Gers clinch the title, who knows how Steve Clarke will react?

His dream could certainly benefit Rangers, who may now get the very best out of Barron as he chases his hopes. But for now, that level of involvement will be the best Barron will likely get this season.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.