Given that the Gers are coming off a hectic run of fixtures, Steven Gerrard is likely to make multiple changes to his side for Sunday’s visit of Hamilton.
One of the fringe players included in our Predicted XI, is Brandon Barker.
The pacy winger joined on a three-year contract from Manchester City in August and was one of a whole raft of wingers to move to Ibrox this summer.
So far, his opportunities have been fairly limited. He’s turned out five times for his new club [Soccerbase], but only one of those appearances, away at St Johnstone late last month, came from the start.
That’s because, more often than not, Steven Gerrard has looked to deploy one, rather than two, out-and-out wingers. In terms of a pecking order, Barker appears to be the fourth choice behind Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo and Jordan Jones.
Kent and Jones have been out injured for several weeks, hence a spike in Barker’s recent involvement.
However, both of those players were said to be progressing nicely at the back end of September and it seems likely they’ll be available immediately after the international break.
With that in mind, unless he puts in an outstanding shift, this could be Barker’s last opportunity for some time.
Therefore, the onus is on him to show Steven Gerrard and the Ibrox faithful what he’s all about.
There have been glimpses already. His goal after coming on as a substitute against Livingston was excellently taken and his pace is there for all to see.
Yet, he struggled to get into the game in his solitary start at McDiarmid Park, and we need to see more of him taking on defenders and delivering dangerous crosses.
Hamilton are well-organised under Brian Rice, but the fixture represents a great opportunity for all Rangers’ attacking players against a side who conceded ten goals in three games against the Gers last season.
Let’s hope Barker gets selected and given a license to create, so we can find out more about the former Man City starlet.
