Rangers loanee Brandon Barker was unable to make a telling contribution as Oxford United were beaten 3-0 by Blackpool in their EFL League One playoff first leg on Tuesday.
Barker joined The U’s on the final day of the winter transfer window and has had a mixed stint at the Kassam Stadium.
The winger has made 20 appearances for his adopted side, scoring three goals and notching four assists.
He scooped Oxford’s Goal of the Season award for a stunning solo effort against Crewe last month and he’s looked a cut above on occasion, but he hasn’t contributed as much as may have been expected, while niggling injuries have disrupted his rhythm.
Returning from a hamstring problem, Barker was named in The U’s starting XI for their League One playoff semi-final first leg against Blackpool on Tuesday evening.
Oxford’s home advantage was strengthened by the return of fans to the Kassam Stadium but their performance didn’t live up to expectations.
Barker showed flashes, particularly in the early stages, earning praise from some viewers.
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However, his teammates were unable to live with the visitors, who scored in the 23rd and 26th minutes to take a 2-0 lead into the break, before a third in the 74th minute completed the scoring and effectively killed off the tie.
The former Man City academy starlet was eventually subbed in the 80th minute and replaced by Olamide Shodipo.
Barker and co. will need to pick themselves back up quickly, with the second leg taking place at Bloomfield Road on Friday night
The chances of Oxford gaining promotion to the Championship this season now look extremely slim, though, and the loanee’s return to Ibrox is imminent.
Barker is under contract until the end of next season but it remains to be seen if he’s done enough south of the border to break back into Steven Gerrard’s plans ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
In other news, a talented young player who left Ibrox in January is on the brink of winning the double with his new club.
