Connor Barron's early Rangers return prospects take twist as Middlesbrough goalposts move
Connor Barron has been linked with an early Rangers return from his loan spell with Middlesbrough.
The midfielder secured an English deadline-day move to the Championship side, joining on a season-long loan.
The 24-year-old was surplus to Derek McInnes' requirements after the Gers signed several new midfielders in the summer.
The likes of Vanja Dragojevic, Cammy Devlin and Dan Neil were all brought to Govan, while Nicolas Raskin and others remain key options.
Despite this, the loan sparked controversy among supporters, with many believing that they should've kept the former Aberdeen star.
Rumours have suggested Barron could have his loan spell cut short as he's yet to make his Boro debut, but Rangers may not see him return until next summer after all.
Connor Barron gets new Middlesbrough boost
There has been speculation that Rangers could cut Barron's loan short in January, as rumours began spreading not long after he made the move.
The Scotsman made two appearances for McInnes before leaving, but it always seemed that he would face a struggle to get first-team minutes.
Danny Rohl was a big fan of the midfielder, and some believed his injury was part of the reason why the Bears came up short last term.
Barron featured in Boro's matchday squad as they beat Wolves 1-0 in the Championship on Saturday, the first time in a league fixture for his new side.
Speaking after the game, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg revealed Barron's boosted chances of playing.
He said, as quoted by The Northern Echo: "It was very difficult at the start of the season, when you are playing all the time, to get new signings ready.
"You had players who were maybe coming in after not really having a pre-season, so I think a lot of teams have struggled with getting new players into their squad and up to speed.
"He [Barron] was working very well during the break, and it is good to have him in the squad now. He is a very good player."
Barron did not come on in the top-of-the-table clash at the Riverside Stadium, but there are plenty of reasons why things are falling into place for the Rangers loanee.
When Barron can make Middlesbrough debut and can Rangers fans watch?
Hellberg's admission on Barron comes after an update on midfielder Rokas Pukstas, who is now sidelined for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.
The American midfielder signed for the Teessiders for £4.3million in the summer, but is also yet to make a start, which proves why Hellberg has not been covering things up with Barron all along.
Pukstas also arrived at Boro late on in the window, but Barron has clearly taken steps ahead over the international break, and could be set for his debut soon.
Rangers fans may be able to watch his debut on Tuesday when Boro take on Stoke City, with the game set to feature on Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm.
Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris was seen limping several times against Wolves, with Barron the natural number six cover currently available to Hellberg.
Let's see how this plays out in the coming weeks.