Rangers: Philippe Clement may have tough Ibrox transfer call to make amid Robby McCrorie comments
Robby McCrorie has given an honest assessment of his situation at Rangers after making his first start of the season at the weekend.
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Rangers eased to a 4-1 win at Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup on Sunday (20 January).
It was hardly the busiest of games for McCrorie against fourth-tier opposition, but it did at least provide an opportunity to put his gloves on.
Speaking to Rangers’ YouTube channel after the game [20 January], McCrorie admitted he would ideally be playing more often than he is.
“It feels like a long time,” he said. “Obviously I want to be playing a lot more than I am.
“I just like the feeling that you’ve contributed, being a part of it, just playing 90 minutes. It’s just something I always want to do.
“I think everybody is the same; that’s all you want to do in football – play games. I just make sure I’m ready for whenever I’m called upon.
“I’m not going to lie, I don’t enjoy not playing. I do want to be playing every week but you can’t go in a huff, you do need to be ready all the time.
“So I take a lot of pride in working hard every day and giving everything in training to be more comfortable and ready for [the opportunities].”
McCrorie’s comments are admirable in that he is clearly working hard behind the scenes to ensure he is ready when his chance arises.
The problem is that those opportunities are few and far between due to the superb form of summer signing Jack Butland in goal.
The brutal truth is that McCrorie will likely only start one or two more games this season at best, unless of course Butland is injured or suspended.
Given his age – he turns 26 in two months – the former Scotland Under-20s international will not want to sit on the bench forever.
Having made just six Scottish Premiership appearances for Rangers, a move away is surely being considered by McCrorie.
He may have been on the books for over a decade, with various loan spells across that period, but a player’s career is incredibly short.
Philippe Clement will be more than happy to have McCrorie as a back-up option, but if he does ask to leave, it will leave him with a tough call to make.
With another season to run on his Ibrox contract, Rangers will have the final say on McCrorie’s future.
If the keeper indicates he would like a move away at the end of the campaign, Rangers will surely grant that wish given his long service.
For now, the academy product must just continue to ensure he is ready for when the rare opportunities to prove himself do arise.
In other Rangers news, an “incredible” player made late-night plans to finalise a move to Ibrox.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.