World News – GB – Barker says Gerrard’s support was the best birthday present he could get

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But the Rangers winger insists Steven Gerrard’s continued support was the best gift he could hope for

Still, Gerrard remains a huge fan and turned to him when his side needed inspiration to see Ross County

Barker, who turned 24 on Sunday, sealed the 2-0 Gers victory with a crucial strike and he wants to continue paying off his blunder

« It’s what makes you, what gives you confidence and gives you the ability to go out on the pitch

« It’s always good to get out of the frame for a season and it took me a little longer than I expected

Barker looks a lot more settled at Rangers these days and he insists his fortune on the pitch be helped by life outside

The Ibrox star admits taking the time to adjust to the permanent move north from his Manchester base

But he now feels at home in Glasgow and thinks it helps him contribute more to Gerrard’s squad

Barker insists he now has to prove he belongs to Rangers as he seeks to make his mark at the club

« It’s not that I wasn’t happy with my football last year, it was just a difficult transition leaving my family and everything

« I can’t wait to play for such a big club and just want to give my all for the Rangers

« It’s now or never really I want my career to rise and the players we have here are special players It is undeniable that

Rangers weren’t at their best against County, but Barker insists lousy winning is an advantage for any team

« I’m sure there will be other games like this this season too

« But the most important were the three points after a great European victory to bring us to the group stages

The winger has an eye on the clash with Celtic on October 17 and hopes to play a role

He said: « It was deflating to get injured after coming back to the team. It was frustrating

« I have worked hard however I am back a week and a half early and will continue to work

« I hope I have staked a concession We have a week every now and then a week of training with the boys

« The gaffer will pick the team then, so I have to be there every day and I hope I get the nod »

Rangers skipper James Tavernier opened the scoring at Ibrox with his eighth goal in eight games

The Gers captain’s fourth penalty of the season kicked off the proceedings and, while delighted for Barker, he admitted Gerrard’s men were far from their best

« We need people to do it off the bench and I was happy for him

« We wanted a good reaction from Thursday evening and we are satisfied with the blank sheet

« But towards the end we let County have a free head and we could have conceded. We will improve

« We will come back to this game, but we are happy to enter the break with three points »

Le Gers have won six out of six matches at Ibrox this season and Tavernier admits home form must continue

He said: « We want the teams to be afraid of coming to Ibrox and we have to have that presence

Gerrard gave his non-international players some time after a busy national and European schedule

« We have a big game when we come back and we will focus on that after a week off

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers on the Scottish Sun football page

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Rangers FC, Steven Gerrard, Ross County FC, Scottish Premiership, James Tavernier, UEFA Europa League