Rangers TV pundit ‘shocked’ by Barker decision after ‘shock’ Ibrox twist
Alan Hutton has admitted he thought Brandon Barker had left Rangers before his “shock” appearance against Stirling Albion.
The former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old failed to impress in his rare appearance for the Light Blues.
Barker started and played 67 minutes in the Gers’ 4-0 Scottish Cup win on Friday (21 January).
It was the winger’s first appearance in a matchday squad since Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s appointment.
Hutton admitted he forgot the former Hibernian star was still at Ibrox.
However, he insisted Barker did very little to win over the manager or the Ibrox faithful.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I have to be honest, I saw his name and I was shocked. I genuinely thought he was gone.
“I know he was at Oxford on loan and I didn’t realise he was back. He’s had opportunities, he did under Steven Gerrard.
“Obviously Van Bronckhorst felt he had to have a look at him. I think he has got attributes where he could do well in the Rangers team.
“But I’m not sure he’s done enough, if I’m totally honest. I thought this was an opportunity for him to really go and shine. Take people on, show his pace and trickery, like he did at Hibs all those years back.
“I just didn’t see enough. I will give him a little bit of leeway it can be difficult when you’ve not played a lot. Yes, he was on loan but I’m talking in the actual Rangers team.
“There’s pressure there but I just expect that little bit more from him.”
Barker has played 27 times for Rangers to date.
His last appearance before Friday came in January 2021.
In other news, pundit tips Connor Goldson to “shine” for Nottingham Forest after newspaper’s Rangers update.