Rangers: Connor Barron nearly sealed World Cup spot with ‘superb’ moment vs Hibernian
Rangers midfielder Connor Barron looked to prove a point to Steve Clarke despite Rangers losing 2-1 to Hibernian on Wednesday.
The one-time Scotland international started in the middle of the park as Danny Rohl backed him once again.
That was despite the 23-year-old playing 90 minutes as the Gers lost 3-1 in the Old Firm last time out at Parkhead.
Things didn’t go all the home side’s way at Ibrox as Martin Boyle gave Hibs the lead with just five minutes on the clock.
That didn’t stop Barron from making his presence known against Hibernian as Andy Little was left blown away by his first-half strike.
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Connor Barron stuns Andy Little with half volley vs Hibernian
The Scot put in a useful showing away at Celtic Park, despite coming out on the losing side in the most frustrating of fashion.
Considering Tochi Chukwuani was hooked, and the former Aberdeen man remained on the pitch, says a lot about his current place in the squad.
| Stat vs Celtic | Connor Barron |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 51 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Defensive contributions | 8 |
| Duels won | 7 |
He continued that into the Ibrox outing against Hibs and was instantly looking to make things happen from minute one.
His corner deliveries were excellent, but it was an effort of his own that so nearly opened the scoring if not for Raphael Sallinger.
The midfielder struck a stunning half-volley after 24 minutes, with his rising effort palmed away by the Austrian keeper, but it certainly caught the eye of Little on RangersTV commentary.
The former Ibrox man said: “This is superb technique. Chermiti does really well, he’s a handful in those areas.
“As the ball comes out, Conor Barron gets his knee over it, keeps it down, gets it on target. The keeper gets across well. I think that would have gotten him a ticket on the plane.”
Barron hasn’t deserved to be losing at Rangers recently and has even managed to force himself into the thinking on the international stage.
Rangers ace Barron fighting for Scotland World Cup spot
RangersTV commentator Calum Brown described the midfielder as “the beating heart of Rangers” mid-way through the Hibs encounter.
That is a totally fair assessment, and surely something that can’t be ignored by Scotland manager Clarke as the summer approaches.
A place at the World Cup would obviously be an honour for Barron, but his late-season form would certainly be deserving of that role.
His season has been disrupted by injury, but he has still proven what sort of quality he could add if he is to get on that plane to North America.
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