Barry Ferguson has warned that Connor Barron's loan spell at Middlesbrough could be damaging his career after the midfielder failed to play a single minute since arriving from Rangers. The 24-year-old Scotland international joined on deadline day but has remained an unused substitute as Boro push for promotion, a situation Ferguson says has now stretched to 0 goal minutes across the campaign.

Ferguson, who managed Barron during an interim spell at Ibrox, voiced his concern publicly. "He has not even kicked a ball, he has not even been on the bench," Ferguson said. He suggested Rangers might need to consider ending the loan arrangement if the situation does not change, fearing long-term consequences for the player's progress. Ferguson's alarm is heightened by the fact Barron was a regular starter under him earlier in 2025, making 27 Premiership appearances last season, before falling down the pecking order following the appointment of Derek McInnes at Rangers.

Hellberg defends player's progress

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has acknowledged Barron's slow start, attributing it to a pre-season disrupted by injury. Hellberg stated the player has "struggled" to reach full match fitness but insisted Barron is working hard in training and remains a highly rated part of the squad. The coach's comments aimed to balance concern with backing for a player he still views as a valuable asset for the long term.

His absence from the pitch contrasts with Middlesbrough's strong form, which sees them second in the standings with 21 points from 10 games. Barron was named in the matchday squad for the recent 1-0 win over Wolves and the 3-2 victory against Stoke City, a result that maintained their automatic promotion place. The team's next challenge is a tough away fixtures at promotion rivals Leeds United, a match where squad depth will be tested.

With key midfielders like Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris performing well, opportunities have been limited for the new arrival. Hellberg must now weigh integrating Barron against maintaining the momentum of a side firmly in the promotion hunt, while the player himself faces a critical period to force his way into contention from the squad.

More detail at Daily Record Football