Barry Ferguson has said Rangers should bring Connor Barron back from Middlesbrough, warning the midfielder is damaging his career during a loan spell in which he has yet to play a single minute.
The 24-year-old joined the English Championship side on deadline day after falling down the pecking order at Ibrox following a major recruitment drive. He was told by Derek McInnes he could leave in search of game time.
Barron, a Scotland international, has yet to make his debut for Boro. He was an unused substitute in the Championship win over Stoke City last weekend.
Boss explains struggles
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said Barron has "struggled" to get up to speed after an injury-hit pre-season.
Hellberg told the Northern Echo: "I think you can see a lot of teams now where players who they signed in the summer are starting to come into the teams a bit more now."
"It was very difficult at the start of the season, when you are playing all the time, to get new signings ready."
"You had players who were maybe coming in after not really having a pre-season, so I think a lot of teams have struggled with getting new players into their squad and up to speed."
Ferguson calls for return
Ferguson, who managed Barron during his interim stint in 2025, said Rangers should end the loan and find the player another club where he can get minutes.
He told the 5 Stars Podcast: "He has not even kicked a ball, he has not even been on the bench."
"You would need to bring him back, and listen, if he's not going to be part of the plans he needs to go somewhere to play. He is good enough to play."
"Wee Connor, in my opinion, is a really good player. He is at an age where he needs to play every single week."
"If he is not going to get any game time - which I am surprised at Middlesbrough, why would they take him if they are not going to play him? - you would need to bring him back and maybe try to get him another loan. But, I am surprised he has not played any minutes at all."
