Brandon Barker was one of the players included in an intriguing Rangers Development XI side to face Partick Thistle in Dumbarton on Tuesday evening.
There was a mixture of first-team players looking to impress, established Reserve players and youngsters getting their first real experience of senior football against the Jags’ first-team.
Barker was very much part of the first group.
Having signed from Manchester City just over a fortnight ago, the pacy winger hasn’t had many opportunities to speak of.
He made his debut as a second-half substitute against East Fife in the League Cup, but hasn’t been seen since.
If he needed any clarity, his exclusion from the Europa League squad which travelled to Warsaw for the first leg of the qualifying playoff round, showed he’s entering low down the Ibrox pecking order.
Therefore, the fixture against Thistle provided a golden opportunity to impress. Particularly, as Gerrard was watching on from the stands.
Obviously, as the Gers drew a blank, there were no tangible contributions to speak of in terms of goals or assists. Yet, it seems he was lively during his time on the pitch. The unofficial Rangers Youth Updates account was certainly impressed.
Rangers winger Brandon Barker picks up knock
Yet, unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he appeared to suffer an injury in the second half. Just after the hour mark, he cut a frustrated figure on the turf [SNS Group] and after attention from the physio, he was substituted for Serge Atakayi.
For now, the severity of the knock is unclear. Even a couple of weeks on the sidelines sets him back in his quest to impress the manager, though.
All the while, the likes of Jordan Jones and Sheyi Ojo are solidifying their spots in the team.
Let’s hope Barker’s substitution was more precautionary than anything, and that although he won’t be involved against Legia on Thursday, it won’t be long before he’s pushing once more for a spot. After all, competition for places lifts standards.
