Robby McCrorie has been linked with a move to West Ham (Image credit: Google)
According to Scottish Sun, Rangers keeper Robby McCrorie re-joined Livingston on season-long loan recently.
22-year-old McCrorie had earlier, spent the second half of last season with Livingston, keeping two clean sheets from eight Scottish Premiership appearances. Highly rated by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and his backroom staff, the young goalkeeper has now been sent back to Livingston once again to gain more first-team experience.
McCrorie has also had loan spells with sides such as Berwick, Morton, and Queen of the South before his first Lions stint. The shot-stopper, who signed a new contract to stay at Ibrox until 2023, however, has not yet featured for the Rangers senior side.
Meanwhile, the absence of an established goalkeeper apart from McGregor saw Rangers sign youngster Andy Firth back in January and veteran Jon McLaughlin as recently as in July. Firth and McLaughlin have not made a single appearance for the side.
In such a crucial juncture, letting go of a rising talent like McCrorie may tend to have repercussions, especially when Celtic are aiming for a 10th domestic title in a row when they begin their campaign next season.
However, only time can tell what’s in store for Gerrard’s side. Meanwhile, looking at a long-term perspective, Rangers’ decision to send McCrorie out on loan to get more regular time seems like a wise move.
The experience that he gains from playing for Livingston will prepare him for the upcoming challenges at the Ibrox in the coming days.
Also, McGregor is already 38 now and is nearing the end of his career. It won’t be long before Rangers look for a new keeper to take on the first-team duties and McCrorie would be a great choice then. Hence, a loan move for the youngster at this time is a well-thought move by Rangers.
By bringing in Firth and McLaughlin, Rangers have assured themselves of enough back-up in their goalkeeping department. Also, main-man McGregor has been pretty reliable since arriving at the Ibrox, meaning McCrorie’s loan move will not affect them much next season. Also, he is only 22 and has a lot more to develop in his game before he takes over the reins at a club like Rangers.
