Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has backed ‘more settled’ attacker Brandon Barker to shine after forcing his way into the first-team, as quoted by the Herald.
The 23-year-old signed for the Gers from Manchester City last summer but failed to impress during his first season in Glasgow.
He made just 13 appearances in total, the majority of which were from the bench, scoring once and failing to register an assist.
Barker was well down the pecking order by the time the global health crisis brought the season to a premature end, but he has fought his way back into the reckoning in recent times.
The former City academy player of the year didn’t have his best outing against Hamilton prior to the international break but he impressed in pre-season and in the 2-0 Premiership win against Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Gerrard believes there’s more to come from the young attacker.
“Have I had a word with him? I think he has had a word with himself,” said the Gers manager, as quoted by the Herald. “It has taken him time to settle, coming from Manchester to Glasgow. He now has his partner up with him and he is more settled off the pitch.”
“He is playing with a smile and there are signs we are starting to see the real Brandon Barker. I think there are still signs that there is more to come but he is working hard, playing with a smile and he is really enjoying playing with Ryan and the other players around him.
“He also has a licence to go and express himself. We have given him the platform because we know there is a big, big talent there and it is up to Brandon to go and find his best and most consistent level.”
Gerrard backs Brandon Barker to shine for Rangers – Verdict
It certainly sounds as though Gerrard is happy with the work Barker has put in so far this season and it’ll be interesting to see whether or not he is handed a starting berth against Dundee United on Saturday afternoon.
Alfredo Morelos could return to the XI after working hard on his sharpness during the international break but the Englishman could be preferred to the misfiring Ianis Hagi.
There’s no doubt that there’s been an improvement with Barker since the return of football.
Last season, he looked short on confidence and reluctant to take on defenders, but now he’s using his pace to good effect and stretching opponents.
He’s still yet to contribute a goal or an assist in his four Premiership outings this term, though, so he’ll need to start making tangible contributions in order to stay in and around the side.
