Rangers have secured the long-term future of – probably – their brightest prospect with the news that Robby McCrorie has signed a contract extension until 2023, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
McCrorie’s short term future had been uncertain after the coronavirus pandemic cut short his loan spell at Livingston and the departures of both Jak Alnwick and Wes Foderingham.
Many had felt that after impressing on loan for the West Lothian side that the Scotland Under-21 international’s development and progression to the first team would be accelerated and that he would spend next season deputising for Allan McGregor.
However, with the veteran stopper having just one year left on his current contract, Rangers have moved to provide experienced competition in the shape of Jon McLaughlin who arrived on a free transfer from Sunderland – he won’t just be seen as a back-up but as a genuine threat to his starting slot should his standards slip.
McCrorie – highly praised by Gers keeper coach, Colin Stewart – will now spend next season on loan gaining further experience in the top flight, preparing himself for what is likely to be his final lessons before the responsibility of being the last line of the Rangers defence is thrust upon him.
His brother, Ross, faces a less than certain future at Ibrox after having his own loan spell at Portsmouth extended so that he could play for the south coast team in their League 1 play-offs and despite early promise, he will face a struggle to convince Steven Gerrard that he has the quality required to occupy a position in his starting XI – whether or not he would accept a role as a utility man is down to the player.
Rangers fans will be hoping that Kai Kennedy is the next academy product to be tied down with the 18-year old having just a year to run on his contract, a return to the days of Walter Smith’s second spell in charge with 4-5 homegrown players regularly featuring in a successful first team – and Robby between the sticks – would be a true sign that the club is finally back where it belongs.