Connor Barron has not played a single minute for Middlesbrough since his deadline-day loan move from Rangers, prompting questions about the deal's value. The 24-year-old Scotland international has been an unused substitute in three consecutive league games for the Teesside club, who sit third in the Championship with 22 points from 11 games.

Manager Kim Hellberg addressed the situation directly, attributing Barron's absence to strong competition in midfield and a slice of bad luck rather than any issue with the player's performance. Hellberg praised Barron's exceptional work ethic and pointed to the examples of Alex Gilbert and Neto Borges, who also waited for opportunities before breaking into the side. He said players in Barron's position must keep working hard to earn their chance, which he believes will come before the season ends.

External scrutiny grows

Former Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has questioned the logic of the loan, suggesting Barron is good enough to play every week and should be recalled in January if he is not part of Middlesbrough's plans. Some observers have also suggested the club's style of play may not be the best fit for the midfielder, casting the late-summer move as potentially flawed squad planning. Barron did feature and score in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Newcastle United during the recent international break, but that has not translated into competitive action.

Middlesbrough's strong start to the season, which sees them just one point off the top of the table and unbeaten in their last five matches, has solidified Hellberg's preferred midfield options. The team's form reads two wins and three draws from those five outings, with Will Lankshear leading the line as top scorer with nine goals. This consistency has made it difficult for new arrivals like Barron and fellow loanee Leo Castledine to force their way in.

With the January transfer window approaching, speculation about a potential early return to Rangers is building. This view is echoed by other pundits who believe regular football is key for Barron's development as a Scottish international.

Barron will hope his situation changes when Middlesbrough travel to face Bolton Wanderers this Friday. The Aberdeen academy graduate, who fell out of favour at Ibrox last summer, remains under contract at Rangers until 2027.

More detail at Daily Record Football