Connor Barron warns Rangers’ European streak could spell trouble and urges his team to stay disciplined

The Rangers have faced significant challenges in European competition recently, with disciplinary issues undermining their campaigns. In two consecutive matches, red cards have proved costly, leaving the team short-handed at crucial moments and casting doubt on their Europa League ambitions.

Last month, Max Aarons was sent off during a Champions League match against Brugge, contributing to a heavy six-goal defeat that equaled a club record. The disciplinary woes continued in the Europa League opener, where Mohamed Diomande received a straight red card in a narrow 1-0 loss to Genk. These incidents have prompted calls for greater composure from within the squad.

Connor Barron, preparing to step in for the suspended Diomande in the upcoming clash with Sturm Graz, acknowledged the importance of discipline. “Yeah, you’ve got to be wary as a player all the time, you’ve got to be cautious. It’s one of those things in football, sometimes sendings off happen and you’ve just got to deal with it. Unfortunately, we’ve been on the wrong end of that twice now. We’ve just got to stay disciplined and do our jobs on the pitch,” Barron said.

Despite recent setbacks, Barron remains optimistic about the team’s chances against Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena. “But we’re buzzing for the game. It’ll be a tough test, but it’s one we’re looking forward to and one we’re ready to go and get three points on the board,” he added. The midfielder emphasized the need to build on their positive domestic performance at Livingston and to channel that momentum into their European campaign.

Reflecting on last week’s defeat, Barron admitted the circumstances were difficult but stressed the importance of unity. “Obviously, last week in Europe wasn’t good enough. It was tough circumstances with the red card. But yeah, just to be together more than ever and continue the good bits we had at the weekend at Livi into this game and go get the three points,” he said.

Barron’s international ambitions have also come into focus. Having earned his first cap for Scotland in a friendly against Liechtenstein over the summer, he was left out of the squad for the latest World Cup qualifiers. Nonetheless, Barron remains motivated by the prospect of playing at next year’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Yeah, that’s a big inspiration for me but it’s one that you’ve got to do well at your club and you’ve got to be a performer week in and week out to get into it. It’s one of them. I’ve got to take care of the club football first. If that comes, it comes. It’s a massive bonus for me, but as I say, this is my bread and butter here and this is all I care about,” Barron stated.

He concluded by expressing his childhood dream of appearing on the world stage. “It would be brilliant to play at a World Cup. It’s one you dream as a kid. Fingers crossed and I’ve just got to keep putting in the performances to hopefully get there.”