Allan McGregor’s heir apparent, Robby McCrorie, has been talking about the steps he has taken to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mentor as he looks to one day replace him between the sticks at Ibrox.
A article in The Scottish Sun gives an insight into the Scotland Under-21 stopper’s career path and the process that has seen him become ready for the Scottish Premiership and challenge for a place in the Rangers team.
McGregor had loan spells at both Dunfermline and St Johnstone before making the breakthrough at Rangers, finally becoming a regular at the age of 25 when Walter Smith replaced Paul le Guen.
McCrorie said of his development so far:
“Allan, Wes Foderingham and I have a friendly rivalry but we all want the best for Rangers.
“The two guys are very open with me and if I ask them something they will help me. They have been in my position and share their experience with me. I might be younger but they know I want to push myself every single day as I want to make a career in the game.
“Allan has been where I am so he understands what it is like. People will say I’m doing similar things to Allan by going on loan but I feel that is a path any young keeper has to go down.
“It isn’t easy to be the Rangers No1 and that’s why I went to Livingston, to challenge myself at the same level as Allan. I wanted to test myself in the Premiership and show I can perform at that level.
“My whole career so far has been building towards this moment and I have loved it. Ever since my first loan move to Berwick a few years ago, the plan has always been to build up to become Rangers No1.”
McCrorie has been out on loan since he was a teenager, first of all at Berwick Rangers, then Morton and this season he has excelled for Queen of the South and Livingston – who he joined in January – as he looks to prove that he has what it takes to fill the gloves of a Rangers legend.
With Wes Foderingham unlikely to stay at the club next season, Steven Gerrard will have a decision to make as to whether or not the young keeper is gradually integrated into the first XI or send him out on loan again to get more games under his belt.
Judging by his short spell in the top flight with Livingston and how he has progressed every year, the goalkeeper shirt at Rangers looks to be in safe hands for many years to come.