Skip role a sure-fire sign of Scot's worth

MARTIN'S TRUST IN BARRON IS CLEAR ONE WEEK INTO NEW ERA

- By Scott McDermott

CONNOR BARRON had only been working under Russell Martin for a week at Rangers when he was handed the captain’s armband.

While he may not be about to replace James Tavernier as permanent skipper at Ibrox, it was a surefire sign that the Scot will have a major role to play under the new gaffer this season.

Barron was given extra time off over the summer after being on Scotland duty. But just days after his return, Martin entrusted him with leading out his team at Ibrox for the friendly draw with Club Brugge.

While most fans expected his midfield partner, Nico Raskin, to be handed that role, it was Gers’ No.8 instead.

It’s an honour Barron will never take for granted, having done it before in a game against former club Aberdeen last season.

While the 22-year-old thrives on the added responsibility, Barron is adamant that — whether he’s captain or not — Martin will get the same level of commitment every day while he’s at Rangers.

He’s got huge competition for a place now in the Ibrox engine room with the summer arrivals of Joe Rothwell and Thelo Aasgaard. But it’s not in Barron’s nature to shirk a challenge.

As he reflected on being made captain in Martin’s first game in charge, he said: “It was quality to be named captain, a really nice moment for me again.

“Obviously, I wore the armband before up in Aberdeen last season which was great for me.