Glasgow-born talent Stevie Mallan hasn’t played a game for Barnsley – but the former St Mirren star could add creativity and goals to Rangers midfield.
Back in early September, Stevie Mallan insisted that he was prepared to fight in order to force his way into Barnsley’s first-team plans.
“I’ve gone from playing every week to not playing,” the midfielder, who joined The Tykes from St Mirren in May for £300,000, told the BBC. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do. I’ve seen the change going down south and a lot of my game I have to work on.
“I’m going to do everything I can to get into that team.”
Over two months later, however, and 21-year-old Mallan is still yet to make his competitive debut in Barnsley colours.
Forgotten man
A Scotland youth star renowned for his penchant for wondergoals, Mallan was one of the most highly-rated young players in the country.
But after less than half a season at Barnsley, Mallan’s development appears to have stalled. With first-team opportunities nowhere to be seen at Oakwell, you wonder whether the skilful midfielder is now having second thoughts about trying his hand south of the border.
And his struggles in England should put him on the radar of Scottish clubs in need of a technical and highly-talented creative hub. Rangers, in particular, could benefit from a central midfielder of Mallan’s ilk.
The Gers aren’t short of bodies in the centre of the park but Graham Dorrans, Josh Windass, Ryan Jack and co are not the sort of player who will glide past opponents with a burst of acceleration or find the top corner from the edge of the box.
Mallan would give Rangers something different. And if there’s an opportunity to bring the Glasgow-born starlet home in January, they should not think twice.
A short-term loan move could provide Mallan with the ideal opportunity to remind Barnsley exactly why they signed him.
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