Rangers are close to announcing the arrival of Connor Barron on a pre-contract agreement if recent reports are accurate.
The 21-year old Scotland youth international is one of the country’s most promising players and to land a home-grown player of his ability for a development fee is something of a coup.
Interest from Italy was fierce and Nils Koppen’s late bid to persuade Connor Barron to join Rangers looks to have paid off with a former Ibrox great playing a key role in sculpting the combative midfielder.
Rangers great plays key role in Connor Barron development
Kevin Thomson knows what it takes to survive in the Rangers engine room and loved nothing better than big European nights and Old Firm derbies.
He also knows how to spot talent.
At just 18-years old, Thomson took Barron on loan at Kelty Hearts on his way to winning League Two with the Aberdeen midfielder impressing to the extent that the agreement was cut short and he returned to his parent club.
Speaking in 2022, it’s easy to see why Barron was so keen to go and work with Thomson, via The Scotsman:
“Kevin Thomson was a big reason why I wanted to go to Kelty
“I wanted to play nice football but also tap into the experience he had, given where he played in his career.
“He had a lot to say to me after games and training and I took a lot on board from him and the experienced players there.
“I remember him saying if I get the chance I had to go and take it. When you are playing at the highest level you don’t get two, three or four chances like you might with Kelty. At the top level you get that one chance and you have to take it.
“I’ve always had confidence in myself. I know what I can do and if I get the opportunity in front of goal I will always go and take it. I believe in myself.”
Could Rangers seal Thomson 2.0 with Barron signing?
What Philippe Clement would give to have a Kevin Thomson in his squad now?
A player who is composed in possesion and can play passes but is physical and loves nothing better than dominating his opponents.
Had Barron gone somewhere else to get game time and not had the same influence from his manager, his development might not have been quite so fast.
Barron might not be on Thomson’s level just yet, but he has had a good upbringing learning from someone who has played in a European final, at Old Trafford and, more importantly, under Walter Smith.
The great Rangers manager would have loved a player like Barron; honest, hardworking and in no way short of talent.
