Ross McCrorie development goes under the radar as Rangers focus on imminent transfer
Ross McCrorie was unavailable as Rangers drew against West Ham United on Sunday.
Dujon Sterling started at Ibrox on 26 July and was handed the captain's armband.
The Englishman initially played as a right-back but switched to left-centre-back after the Gers made changes at half-time.
Sterling and McCrorie will likely be competing against each other for a starting spot at Ibrox next season, but Derek McInnes may need reinforcements.
The Glaswegian outfit have five senior defenders at their disposal right now, which clearly isn't enough.
While the Scottish manager has admitted the Govan side could complete their eighth signing in the next 48 hours, a glaring transfer concern may have gone under the radar.
Why Ross McCrorie didn't play for Rangers vs West Ham
McCrorie has reunited with McInnes at the Gers after playing under him at Aberdeen.
The 28-year-old has mostly played at right-back over the last few seasons, but the Scottish manager used his versatility to good effect at Pittodrie.
Everyone seems to be focusing on McInnes' admission that the next signing will be announced at Ibrox in the coming hours, with another player hopefully coming in before the game against Dundee United on 31 July.
Not much attention is being given to the fact that McCrorie was unavailable to face West Ham due to a slight knee injury.
Speaking to the media after the draw, McInnes said, "We're a bit short defensively in terms of numbers. We've got five senior players there available. McCrorie has just opened up his knee a little bit, so we didn't take a risk with him today."
In Sterling, the Glaswegian outfit already have someone with a history of fitness issues, and the ex-Bristol City star's situation presents the Scottish manager with a clear transfer priority: to sign a new right-back.
Who could be Derek McInnes' next signing at Ibrox?
Ibrox News have covered reports of McInnes asking Dan Purdy to add more flair to the wide areas at Rangers.
Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis started on the wings for the Gers against West Ham, but were unable to do much.
Oliver Antman also came on in the second half and showed some glimpses of his speed and link-up play.
Nedim Bajrami also featured in the final few minutes at Ibrox, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him leave the Govan side this transfer window.
The next incoming signing in G51 could potentially be a winger, but it remains to be seen who the Glaswegian outfit end up getting.