During the recent international window, Robby McCrorie joined up with the Scotland squad in what was an endorsement of his ability as well as further potential, from Steve Clarke.
Despite not featuring at all for the Rangers first team so far this season, he was drafted into the squad following the withdrawal of Jon McLaughlin due to injury.
Clarke would later praise the qualities of the 24-year old goalkeeper, a player who he believes is getting better although he hasn’t played much over the last year, as reported by the Glasgow Times:
“He’s a good goalkeeper. Obviously I saw him when he was out on loan at Livingston and Morton, when he was playing games.”
“I know he is not in an ideal situation where he is not getting game time, but I know he is working with good goalkeepers and worked on at Rangers. Even though he is not getting the matches, he is improving as a goalkeeper.”
Clarke also added that with not too many young goalkeeper options, there is a continuity and development aspect to the involvement of McCrorie.
Ready
When called upon last season against Celtic and Alashkert, Robby McCrorie showed that he is more than able.
That is fine in isolation but how about over the course of a full campaign and especially at a club like Rangers? The reality is that we don’t know without him playing a run of games. Whilst he generally did well at Livingston in the Premiership, some would question why he is still hanging around at Ibrox as third choice when he could be playing elsewhere.
Conversely, the situation in Gio van Bronckhorst’s goalkeeping department means a chance could be coming sooner than we think. Jon McLaughlin has already shown his frailties when given the mantle as ‘number one’ whilst Allan McGregor isn’t faultless and unfortunately now past his best form and consistency. Thankfully he is still a high level operator but for how long?
McCrorie will be aiming to take full advantage of his breakthrough when the chance arises, even more so with his exposure to the full Scotland squad.