Delighted Steven Gerrard has admits the real Brandon Barker is starting to stir after a sleepy start to life at Ibrox.
The manager revealed the former Manchester City flyer has been able to bring his partner to Glasgow and is now more settled in Scotland.
And that's been reflected on the pitch with Barker finally giving glimpses of the talent that saw him capped at youth levels for England and highly regarded at City.
While a loan spell at Hibs already showed Scottish fans his searing pace and direct ball carrying, he has shown intelligence and guile to help break down defences in recent showings and Gerrard reckons a big part of the change is "playing with a smile on his face".
Gerrard said: “Did I have a word with him? I think he’s had a word with himself.
“It has taken him time to settle, coming from Manchester to Glasgow.
“He now has his partner up with him and is more settled off the pitch.
"He is playing with a smile and there are signs we are starting to see the real Brandon Barker.
“There are still signs that there is more to come but he is working hard, playing with a smile and he is enjoying playing with Ryan and other players around him.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard admits that he still hopes to add to his midfield options.
Preston star Daniel Johnson was linked yesterday and while there is interest, the two clubs are thought to be poles apart on a fee.
He said: “We are still pursuing in the midfield area but there’s no progress or breakthrough and, in terms of outgoings, there’s no one on the verge.”
