Developing football players isn’t an exact science, history is littered with promising youngsters who never made the step up and Rangers are no difference.
The academy should aim to supplement the first team squad although producing players like Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson is the ultimate dream.
Working with youngsters throughout his coaching career at Rangers and beyond, Kevin Thomson knows a good player when he sees one with a young Connor Barron being someone who he has always had high hopes for.
Kevin Thomson tips Connor Barron to handle Rangers pressure
The former midfield enforcer was credited with having an impact in 21-year old Barron’s development and, after seeing him close up for Rangers age groups, has backed him to handle life in the Glasgow goldfish bowl:
“I’ve always been intrigued to see where he goes.
“We were obviously disappointed when he left to go back to Aberdeen in January and cut his loan short.
“We hoped, from a selfish point of view, that we could have kept him until the summer.
“When we did win the league, he was back and in the changing room with all the boys.
“I’m desperate to see him do well, I’m always watching him from afar to see how he does.
“I think it would be naive to say I think he could go on and be a star at Rangers or a star elsewhere.
“But my toes and fingers will certainly be crossed that he could possess the quality to go on and influence a place like Ibrox.
“I think personally, he could handle that.”
Rangers move could see Barron prove his true potential
A strong mentality goes a long way at Rangers.
As Richard Gough once said – “you’re only as good as your last pass, never mind your last game.”
One stray pass is all that it takes for 50,000 loyal supporters to groan.
Cast your mind back to the summer, after two games, Abdallah Sima was being written off, but for injury, 25 goals wouldn’t have been an unreasonable target for the Senegal international.
Sasa Papac another who fans wanted punted only to become a cult hero.
Being able to handle the pressure of playing for Rangers, and the expectations that come every time a player puts on the jersey, can be the hardest aspect of life at the club.
Thomson knows Barron as well as anyone, having coached and managed him for six-months.
He might not want to tip him for stardom yet, but the former Rangers number eight clearly fancies Barron for bigger things after Nils Koppen saw of interest from Serie A.
Bigger things that he might achieve if he steps into his ex-managers boots and makes the move to Rangers.
