When Rangers announced the signing of Brandon Barker there wasn’t a bluenose in Ibrox who didn’t treat it with at least an ounce of scepticism.
Many fans felt that the former Man City youth and Hibs loanee was a diluted Ryan Kent, a solution to the filling the void left by last season’s SPFA’s Young Player of the Year.
But after Kent hobbled off from Saturday’s somewhat turgid win over Livingston, by scoring did Barker prove he can be more than the Ryan Kent stand in many felt he was signed to be?
The similarities between the two wide men are undeniably striking.
Barker and Kent are both 22-years-old, are both pacey, tricky wingers, and both players are products of two of England’s most productive youth academies.
Kent – who’s potential £7.5m price tag [Sky Sports] speaks for how highly rated he was down south – is a creative product of Liverpool’s Melwood academy.
Barker, who undeniably impressed at Ibrox during visits with Hibs a few seasons ago, has come through at the Arabian inspired Manchester City youth set-up.
And yet, both players have wound up at Rangers and seemingly both players are going to be given a chance to make an impression.
Kent – the fan favourite and the so-called “jewel in the crown” – is obviously always going to take his place in the starting XI.
But with a neat cut inside and a powerful finish, Brandon Barker showed a glimpse of what he can bring to the Rangers side.
And, if it goes to plan for the player, he won’t just be that replacement for Ryan Kent many fans saw him as when he signed.
He’ll be a useful, creative addition who brings goals, assists and excitement to the first team
