An update this evening has confirmed that Jon McLaughlin’s injury issue is ongoing, resulting in the player’s withdrawal from the Scotland squad.
Steve Clarke’s team have a Nations League triple header over the next week with games at Hampden against Ukraine and Rep. of Ireland followed up by an away game against the Ukrainians (to be played in Krakow, Poland).
McLaughlin has now been replaced in the squad by his Ibrox teammate Robby McCrorie whilst Grant Hanley and Jacob Brown have also withdrawn.
After missing the last two games for the Gers, Allan McGregor stepped into the void left by the former Sunderland and Hearts stopper, creating another question for the return game at Tynecastle next Saturday.
The goalkeeper update from the Scotland camp represents a show of support from Clarke toward Rangers’ understudy McCrorie given that he is yet to feature in a competitive game this season. It will provide a further boost for him, as well as a nudge towards the need for regular time on the pitch to fulfil his ability, which could happen as early as January depending on the next step.
Scotland squad update.
IN: Robby McCrorie.
OUT: Jon McLaughlin, Grant Hanley and Jacob Brown. pic.twitter.com/RRgqHaIfPo— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 19, 2022
Future
His role as third choice at Ibrox has to end soon. It is of no real benefit to Robby McCrorie at this stage of his career, at 24 years of age.
An intriguing and frustrating goalkeeping situation is playing out at present with Rangers having no undisputed ‘Number One’ in Allan McGregor or Jon McLaughlin. Then there is McCrorie who is waiting in the wings to prove himself – will that chance come before the start of next season and a possible new arrival?
His loyalty and application has earned him a fair crack at showing what he is capable of, whether that comes or not remains to be seen.