Buzzing Clement singles out summer signing who has 'the mentality of a Rangers player'
Yesterday at 04:00 PM
Rangers boss Philippe Clement is adamant he believes in his new-look Ibrox squad.
The Gers have undergone a dramatic transformation in the summer seeing 16 first team players leave the club with 11 coming in to replace them.
Whilst Belgian manager Clement is clear the Rangers rebuild cannot be complete in one window, there is cause for optimism amongst several of the club's young arrivals.
And when it comes to settling in, it certainly helps when you've got the 'mentality of a Rangers player' to begin with.
Connor Barron has 'Rangers mentality'
It's no exaggeration to say that Connor Barron has been one of the signings of the Scottish Premiership season.
Rangers struck a deal to sign the Scotland U21 international at the end of his contract with Pittodrie rivals Aberdeen.
Whilst Rangers and Aberdeen are yet to agree a compensation fee over Barron, the midfielder is excelling in the middle of the park at Ibrox.
Taking the role of John Lundstram in the Rangers squad, Ibrox fans have been encouraged by Barron's bravery and commitment on and off the ball.
A progressive passer who is always available for teammates, Barron snaps into tackles and has brought a new energy to the Ibrox team.
But more than that, Philippe Clement reckons Connor Barron is an example of the mentality it takes to play for at Ibrox.
"It's massive," Clement told Premier Sports when asked about the new players understanding what it means to play for Rangers. "It's so important.
"You cannot do that as manager alone or with your coaching staff, it's impossible.
"That's why players like Tav, like Jack, like John have a really important role.
"And it's also important that some young guys like Connor Barron coming in knows already what Rangers is about.
"And he has also the mentality of a Rangers player, so those are also massive things."
Rangers star a Young Player of the Year front runner
Connor Barron is certainly making an impression with Rangers supporters.
Only 22-years-old, the midfielder has quickly emerged as one of the first names on the Ibrox teamsheet and a symbol of the new, youthful direction the club has taken this season.
A tigerish midfielder who is getting better by the game, Barron was even rewarded for his form with a call-up to the Scotland squad earlier in the season.
An early contender for Young Player of the Year, it's clear Philippe Clement sees Connor Barron as the type of player Rangers can build their squad around for years to come.
Let's hope the midfielder's progress at Ibrox continues as the club begin to build up some early-season momentum.
Barron has been an ever present for Rangers this season, starting eight of the club's nine games and coming off the bench in the other.
