Connor Barron sees Rangers return plea vetoed as Middlesbrough take clear stance on loan mystery

Connor Barron's Middlesbrough coach Hellberg has dismissed suggestions the midfielder should leave Riverside, insisting he will get chances if he keeps working hard. Former Rangers manager Barry Ferguson had urged the Scottish club to cut Barron's season-long loan short in January due to a lack of playing time. The 24-year-old midfielder has yet to play a competitive minute since his deadline-day move.

Hellberg praised the training efforts of Barron and fellow loanee Leo Castledine, pointing to teammates Alex Gilbert and Neto Borges as proof that opportunities eventually arrive. Ferguson had argued Barron must play weekly and suggested finding another loan destination if Middlesbrough does not use him.