Rangers and Scotland under-21 star Connor Barron deserves place in Scottish football elite says Highland League player who he played alongside in Aberdeen’s youth ranks
A footballer being tipped as a future Scotland star looked well ahead of the game as a schoolboy, according to one of his former team-mates.
Connor Barron was signed for Aberdeen at the age of eight at the same time as Bishopmill primary pupil Mark Mclauchlan, and the two regularly played together in the Pittodrie club’s youth ranks over the next eight years.
Barron’s development into a first team star and Scotland under-21 international earned him a big move to Rangers this summer, and Mclauchlan isn’t a bit surprised.
The current Forres Mechanics captain said his fellow ex-Don stood out for his talent and went the extra mile to give him the best opportunity of playing at the highest level.
Mclauchlan, now 22, left Aberdeen at the age of 16 to play Highland League at Buckie Thistle for four years and most recently at Forres, becoming possibly the youngest captain in the club’s history.
Barron’s success story has spurred the Elgin-based player to try and return to the professional ranks one day.
“Connor was one of the guys I played with and the one who has made the most out of his career from those teams,” he said.
“He’s done really well for himself and he’s at Rangers now. It’s always good to see boys who were in your team kick on and make the most of their ability.
“I hope I can do the same, kick on and player at a higher level.”
Mclauchlan has had to go down the route of stepping down the levels to get regular football with the plan to push his way back up in years to come.
Barron had to cut his professional football teeth in the lower leagues, including a spell at Forres’ current Highland League rivals Brechin City before they were relegated from the SPFL.
He scored a goal against Elgin City that season, stepped up to League 1 Kelty Hearts the following year then broke into the Dons’ first team as a teenager.
When he reached the end of his Aberdeen contract, Rangers made their move to secure his services and Barron made his ‘Gers debut in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Hearts to open the Premiership season.
He made his Champions League debut in the 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kyiv last night.
Mclauchlan remembers what made a young Barron stick out like a sore thumb in Aberdeen’s development ranks.
“I think you can always tell with young players when they are hungry and he was always willing to put in the extra work and do well for themselves.
“He deserved the chance he’s got, and good on him.
“Maybe after another year or two in the Highland League if I keep playing well, I can make a step up as well.
“I believe in my own ability so hopefully I can do it but all I want to do right now is to do well with Forres and see where it takes me.”
