Connor Barron reveals Aberdeen-daft dad had him hooked on Rangers hero as a kid

Five years before Connor Barron made his entrance into the world, Paul Gascoigne was the name on most football fans' lips.

The Geordie playmaker helped Rangers to two titles in 1996 and 1997, and now, Ibrox's new boy has recalled the influence he has had on his career after being brought up on a diet of Gazza masterclasses by his Aberdeen-daft dad.

Barron senior might have spent his weekend's supporting his hometown Dons, but he was quietly admiring the England legend while most like-minded folk were cursing the midfielder.

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Gazza's mastery of the ball and ability to cut through teams like a knife through butter were one of the big reasons Rangers went on to secure nine consecutive titles, writes the Daily Record.

And Barron, who left Pittodrie to sign a four-year deal at Ibrox last week, admits he is hungry to get a taste of that kind of success himself.

The 21-year-old might only have seen it in YouTube clips but when it comes to boyhood idols outside of Aberdeen he is clear in who left a lasting impression.

Barron said: "Gazza. I looked up to him a lot. My dad was a big Gazza fan, and he kind of introduced me to him when I was a young boy.

"I've watched his clips and I loved the way he played, and I know how successful he was at this club. He was one that I looked up to a lot."

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If Gazza had a retrospective impact on Barron's career then another ex-Ibrox midfielder had a far more direct influence in the Scotland Under 21 ace establishing himself as a professional.

Six months on loan at Kelty Hearts from the Reds three years ago gave the youngster a first taste of the hustle and bustle of Scottish football - under the guidance of Kevin Thomson.

Whether it was his similar physique or tenacious style that impressed Thomson, the then Kelty boss took Barron under his wing and made him a central part of his side that went on to win the League Two title.

It's a spell which Rangers' new signing admits was crucial to his development into one of the Premiership's hottest prospects.

Thomson won two titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups as well as reaching the UEFA Cup Final in four years with Rangers.

And Barron revealed he was one of the first points of call when he reached out for advice on his move to Ibrox.

He said: "Earlier in my career I was on loan at Kelty Hearts and had a successful spell under him. The things he taught me were brilliant and the way he wanted to play suited me to a tee and helped my development a lot.

"It really felt like I came on as a player under him. Having that chat, he told me things about the past and what it was like when he was here as a player and now as a coach.

"He only had good things to say. He's always there and said to me he's just a text message away if I need anything which is nice to hear from someone like him and the stature he has at the club."

Barron made 42 appearances for the Dons last season including six in the Europa Conference League group stage where he came up against German giants Eintracht Frankfurt and Greek champions PAOK.

His displays domestically and on the continent ensured he was a man in demand in recent months with clubs in Italy and the English Championship vying with Rangers for his signature.

But he chose to move to his old club's biggest rivals and is now focused on breaking into a Rangers midfield that has lost fellow ex-Don Ryan Jack and John Lundstram from its base in the last month.

Barron is confident he can make his mark. And he admits the lure of the Champions League was a big factor in his decision to stay in Scotland.

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He said: "Definitely. I think it is for any player. I had a spell on the European football stage last season and relished it, I loved it. So I can't wait to get going here.

"The ambition and expectation is high at Rangers but it's a game of football at the end of the day and you go out and give your all and if you wins games then everyone is happy.

"So here's hoping it's a successful time ahead for the club. I had a good chat with the gaffer and the team and straight away I knew I wanted to be here. It suits me down to a tee the way we want to play. I just can't wait to get out there.

"Ever since I was a young boy I never wanted to pigeon hole myself. I feel I can play any of the three midfield roles depending on formations. I'm adaptable, the manager knows that, and I will play anywhere for this football club.

"The expectations are clear, individually and as a team. We know what we need to do, and we will keep working on things on the training pitch to make sure we are 100 percent equipped going into the start of the season."