Rangers teen Barjonas: This is when we will start dominating games
By James Black
Rangers Academy star Jamie Barjonas wants to be a role-model for other youngsters in the Gers’ youth system – and admits he’s taken a leaf from Barry Ferguson’s book to be a “leader” on the pitch.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut last season under Pedro Caixinha but has found himself back with Graeme Murty’s Under-20 side this season.
After making his debut as a substitute in the win over Partick Thistle at Firhill, Barjonas came off the bench in successive matches as he was handed his first outings for the first-team at Ibrox.
On the final day of the season, Caixinha rewarded the midfielder with a starting spot as Rangers rounded off the campaign with a win at McDiarmid Park.
Now, teenager Barjonas is now counting on the leadership attributes of himself and his Under-20s team-mates to go a long way in helping them start to dominate against the opposition.
“I try my best to be as much of a leader and be as positive as I can in games,” Barjonas said, as quoted the Evening Times website.
“When we get to the stage where there are a few leaders in the 20s team, we will really start dominating games.
“Hopefully we can get that quickly.
“It probably started for me at Under-17s when I was the skipper. From then, I have definitely tried to make it a trait of my game where I am the leader and I can control games.
“Barry Ferguson was a big idol of mine when I was growing up and that is who I want to play like. He played in my position and he was a great captain”
Barjonas was one of a handful of youngsters to be given their first-team debut by Caixinha with Aidan Wilson, Myles Beerman and Kyle Bradley also getting their first taste of senior action.
The midfielder scored for the Under-20’s in Sunday’s 5-2 win over Brentford B at the London side’s Jersey Road training ground and has gained a reputation for scoring spectacular goals after a number of stunners last season.
In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil has predicted what would happen if the Gers and Celtic moved to play south of the border.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Rangers breaking news.