Alnwick, Hastie, Rossiter and McCrorie – A look at Rangers’ loan quartet

Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are well known for using the loan system every year to bring in several quality players from south of the border in a bid to enrich their squad. 

Since Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Rangers, the Ibrox giants have reaped the rewards of the manager’s influential ties with Liverpool, with the likes of Ovie Ejaria, Jon Flanagan, Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo all making an impact to varying degrees over the course of their time in Glasgow. 

Kent, of course, made a permanent move to Rangers earlier this summer following an incredible loan spell last campaign.

However, as we all know, the loan system is not only about bringing in players and Rangers also have their fair share of players plying their trade away from Ibrox, be it youngsters looking for playtime or established stars seeking regular minutes. 

With that in mind, let us run the rule over the likes of Jak Alnwick, Jake Hastie, Jordan Rossiter and Ross McCrorie, who are all plying their trade in the EFL League One this term. 

1. Jake Hastie (Rotherham United)

The 20-year-old Scotland U-21 international was loaned out to newly-relegated League One side Rotherham United in the summer following his pre-contract arrival at Rangers from Motherwell. 

The youngster impressed with 7 goals in 15 appearances at Fir Park in the second half of the previous campaign after being recalled from his loan spell at Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Championship. But with Rangers also bringing in Sheyi Ojo, Jordan Jones and Greg Stewart, a loan move looked like a fair settlement for Hastie. 

Hastie made a wonderful start to his time at New York Stadium with a man-of-the-match display and a goal against Doncaster Rovers. He has also found the net thereafter against the likes of Bolton and Sunderland.

The starlet currently boasts of a tally of 3 goals in 9 League One appearances, and things are certainly looking bright for him. 

2. Jak Alnwick (Blackpool)

The former Newcastle United shot-stopper is currently enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Blackpool after impressing on loan at Scunthorpe United in the previous campaign.

The 26-year-old has been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for the Seasiders in the third-tier and has done his reputation no harm, shipping 16 goals in 15 league appearances and managing 5 clean sheets. 

He is behind the likes of Wes Foderingham and Allan McGregor in the pecking order at Ibrox and it remains to be seen whether his consistent run of form will be enough to impress Gerrard. 

 3. Jordan Rossiter (Fleetwood Town)

The former Liverpool star’s time at Ibrox has been plagued to a large extent by recurrent long-term injuries but the central midfielder has put all the disappointment behind him to excel on loan at Fleetwood Town under the stewardship of Joey Barton this term. 

The 22-year-old’s future in Glasgow looks bleak, with his contract set to expire next summer, but his impressive displays in the middle of the park for Fleetwood could work in his favour.

Rossiter, who has established himself as a regular fixture under Barton, has started 13 games in the league this season, playing a key role in the club’s surge for a spot in the playoffs. 

4. Ross McCrorie (Portsmouth)

The highly-rated Scottish U-21 international, who spent time on loan at Ayr United and Dumbarton earlier in his career, is currently serving his third loan spell away from Ibrox after playing a bit-part role under Gerrard last time around. 

McCrorie was sent off on his debut for Portsmouth against Shrewsbury Town back in August but he is gradually beginning to make amends for his slow start to life on the English south coast. 

Essentially a centre-back or a defensive midfielder by trade, the 21-year-old has been used in an unfamiliar right-back role by manager Kenny Jackett in recent weeks and the loanee has excelled in his new position, putting up a couple of decent displays against Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers.

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The starlet is yet to establish himself as a regular starter but his dynamism and versatility continue to make him an exciting prospect for the future.