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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

'More to come': Barron striving for Rangers success as he targets perfect Euro start

Connor Barron says it's game's like Rangers' UEFA Europa League opener against Malmö on Thursday night that made him move to Ibrox as he vowed 'there's more to come' in Light Blue colours. 

Barron got a taste of European football last season, with Aberdeen competing in the Conference League. He locked horns in some tasty battles including defeating Rangers' old foes, Eintracht Frankfurt, and believes he's learned a lot from his continental experiences this far. 

"I’m buzzing," the midfielder told reporters in Sweden. "Obviously last season we got a little taste of the Conference League and it was a big part of me coming to Rangers with the European football.

"I can't wait to go out and pitch and show what we can do."

Reflecting on the lesson's learned from featuring in these big occasions at a young age, Barron said: "You take a lot in as a young player, you're always learning. We had a lot of experiences, with ups and downs.

"Those are experiences that I will take forever in my career. It's just the start and Thursday is another opportunity for us as a club to go and get three points. I can't wait to get going."


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Rangers progressed all the way to the final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in May 2022. Two year's on, Barron is realistic but expects the Scottish giants to be competitive and at least have a good crack at progressing into the knockout stage. 

"We don't want to think too far ahead," he said candidly. "We want to take it each game as it comes. Thursday is our first opportunity and Thursday’s the start. We'll go out there fresh and hopefully we can start with a win.

"100 per cent, yes [the mentality is reaching the knockouts]. That's what we are at Rangers Football Club. We want to win every game we play and that doesn't change no matter what competition it is. We're here to win."

Barron has been ever-present in the Rangers starting XI since making the free transfer to Rangers over the summer, excelling as a No.6.

"I've loved it since I've come in," the ex-Aberdeen starlet admitted. "I think I've said that many times. The staff have been brilliant to me and the boys have all been brilliant to me. I've been comfortable playing in that position.

"I'll keep learning but I've enjoyed it so far. There's a lot more to come from me. I'm still learning as well. I'm taking everything in that I'm getting told and watching games back and making sure that I'm making myself better at the same time as well as the team. That's all I can do and I've loved it so far."

Asked about his rapid recent rise from the Pittodrie periphery to becoming one of Clement's most trusted men, Barron assured supporters that Rangers are still far from the finished article this season but he knows there's the quality in the building to deliver a successful season. 

"Definitely, as I said it's just the start," he commented. "It's about us as a team as well and I can see us as a team growing and building each week. We're nowhere near the finish line yet but we're doing great so far.

"We just need to keep building in the same direction now and keep pushing. Thursday is another opportunity for that on the European stage."


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His early season form helped him earn a call-up to Steve Clarke's senior Scotland squad for the Nations League double-header against Poland and Portugal.

Barron claims it was a 'honour' that he will cherish despite being unable to earn any minutes from the substitute's bench on this occasion. 

"It was an honour to get the call up," the 22-year-old explained. "It was great to go in there and see how these players at the top level are working week in, week out.

"I felt at home in training and I felt comfortable. I was just picking up these little things and constantly learning, that's all you can do."

(Image: SNS Group)

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