Rangers learnt a few harsh lessons against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night as they suffered their first league phase defeat.
The Ibrox faithful aren’t used to seeing their side drop points at home in the continent’s second tier tournament, but Philippe Clement should have taken some valuable pointers in what was an exhibition of clinical finishing.
Rangers didn’t punish Lyon in the early stages and were made to pay the consequences in emphatic fashion with Connor Barron in particular realising just how big the step up is against a top-five league team.
Connor Barron backed to bounce back for Rangers
Barry Ferguson knew a thing or two about competing against illustrious opponents, however, rarely did he come off second best.
The Gers Hall of Famer also knew a thing or two about looking after the ball in midfield and has back Barron to bounce back, as told to The Daily Record:
“Connor Barron got it wrong with his mistake.
“But what really matters is that he got it so right afterwards. Immediately after the error which led to Lyon’s second goal in their win at Ibrox, the boy held his hands up instantly. Barron went and got the ball out of the net himself and acknowledged the error. That tells you something straight away about his character.
“I watched him closely after that moment. It was a blind pass made in misjudgement and he will learn from that, but I just loved the response.
“I was eyeing him going onto the next stage to gauge his reaction and what appealed to me was the fact that he didn’t hide. It is far easier to go into your shell in that situation and I have seen it myself, but that didn’t happen. He kept demanding the ball in certain areas and that’s a key sign.
“A player’s response in a moment of adversity is vital to me. My standpoint is: Right, what are you going to do about what just happened? Are you going to hide? Or are you going to stand up?
“Barron did the latter and that tells me he’s got a big future. I’ve never met the boy personally but, from what I have seen, he’ll go away and make sure next time, he’ll take a touch or glance over his shoulder.”
Barron has a lot to learn despite positive start
Nobody would have expected Connor Barron to join Rangers from Aberdeen and be tasked with playing such a key role.
The 22-year old won the club’s player of the month award for September, as voted by fans, which says it all about his impact and how well he has settled.
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