Rangers loanee Brandon Barker continued his impressive start at English League One club Oxford United with a key assist in a comeback win over Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
Barker was allowed to leave Ibrox late on deadline day as the signing of Scott Wright from Aberdeen would likely have pushed him further down the pecking order.
The winger had seen just over 400 minutes of action at Rangers since the start of the season, so regular playing time was the priority and Oxford boss Karl Robinson was shocked but delighted to be able to bring him in [Oxford Mail].
Barker didn’t manage to contribute on debut and was hooked at half-time in what would turn out to be the Us’ first defeat in 13 matches.
However, he has made quite an impact since then, making the points safe with a late goal at Bristol Rovers in midweek before picking up his first assist against the Latics on Sunday afternoon.
Former Motherwell striker Callum Lang put Wigan in front in the 57th minute but Barker played a key part as the hosts turned things around late on at the Kassam Stadium.
In the 72nd minute, the Gers loanee picked up the ball on the left flank and carried it forward before cutting back onto his right foot and floating an excellent cross to the back post that was headed in by Sam Winnall.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Barker and co. then pushed on for all three points and they were delivered by Elliot Moore in the 83rd-minute, with the centre-back scoring from close range.
Many Us fans thought the deadline day capture of Barker would help their quest for promotion to the Championship and he’s made a considerable impact so far.
Robinson’s side are currently seventh in the League One table and only outside the playoff places by a point, while they hold a game in hand over sixth-placed Sunderland.
Rangers also have a player on loan at the Stadium of Light, but he hasn’t been able to produce for the Black Cats since his January switch.
