NafisaRangers midfielder Connor Barron will have been hoping for a late inclusion in the Scotland World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old is coming off the back of a strong finish to the campaign at Ibrox despite the club’s inability to mount a serious challenge for the Scottish Premiership crown.
The number eight was arguably Danny Rohl’s standout performer during the closing weeks of the season as he impressed across the final three matches.
Many anticipated that form would catch the attention of Steve Clarke before he selected his squad for the trip to North America this summer.
Barron was initially overlooked for the Scotland World Cup squad and had been hoping for a recall that has now failed to materialise.
Connor Barron overlooked for Scotland World Cup squad
The Tartan Army’s preparations for the major tournament are now underway after taking on Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday.
A convincing 4-1 victory for the hosts was exactly the boost they needed as Rangers pair Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland both got on the scoresheet.
However, the positive mood surrounding the result was dampened when Billy Gilmour was forced off with a knee injury, ruling him out of the World Cup before it had even started.
That immediately sparked speculation over who would be drafted into the squad as a replacement, with Barron, Lennon Miller and Andy Irving viewed as the leading contenders.
Clarke has now made his choice and has surprised many by selecting Manchester United under-21 midfielder Tyler Fletcher following his international debut against Curacao.
The decision has caught many supporters off guard, even after the 19-year-old produced an encouraging first appearance.
The call has not been particularly well received at Ibrox, with Barron likely to feel frustrated after being overlooked in favour of a teenager.
Rangers surely frustrated after Barron miss out under Steve Clarke
The question many Rangers supporters may now be asking is: who exactly is Fletcher?
He is the son of former Scotland international Darren Fletcher and arrives on the back of just 17 minutes of senior football for Manchester United.
The youngster is undoubtedly regarded as a promising talent and may eventually become a key figure for Scotland in midfield, but many will debate whether he has done enough to justify a World Cup place.
Rangers supporters would perhaps have accepted Barron’s omission more readily if someone like Miller had been selected following his breakthrough season with Udinese in Italy.
That has not happened, and instead an inexperienced youngster has been handed the opportunity with only two weeks remaining before the tournament gets underway.
Barron and Rangers may feel they have every right to be disappointed by the outcome, and Clarke’s unexpected decision is certain to attract scrutiny in the coming days.
Nafisa
