Steven Gerrard makes big call on midfielder; reports

With reports forgotten man Jamie Barjonas is set to join relegated
Partick Thistle in the Championship on loan, many fans have been a little
puzzled by his situation.

He was one of the few successes of the Pedro era, having
been given a (limited) chance and impressing with it.

Yet the young 19-year old midfielder is being farmed out on
loan instead of making the step up to the senior team, in a situation that can
be spun both positively and negatively.

It is positive in that he may just remain in the club’s
plans, and the management deciding the time has come for first team football
but uncertainty remains over his ability to do it long term for the heaviest
shirt in Scottish football. By putting him out on loan to a decent side, he
will be closely monitored to see how he manages as a first team squad member.

However, the negative spin is just how well he did last
season – surely the old adage applies of ‘good enough old enough’ – and if that
wasn’t enough to convince the management that he has earned a shot at the first
team, will anything?

However, Rangers have a tonne of depth in midfield. Four
defensive midfielders are arguably ahead
of Barjonas, while Dorrans is another senior member who probably has first dibs
– Barjonas may just struggle to get ahead of this lot.

And Steven Gerrard has been linked with Southampton’s Steven
Davis too, so chances are even slimmer for the Leeds
born mid to make his mark.

Is Jamie one for the future? We think he is. We think he
showed enough last season to suggest he has the ability, but whether he has the
mental strength to cope with the shirt is another matter.

And perhaps his season at Firhill will help show how ready
he is.