Robby McCrorie first got his chance for Rangers last season and did enough to keep his place, now, second time around, Michael Beale has confirmed that the gloves are his…for now.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Rangers thumping win over Celtic, the Ibrox outfit’s manager was quick to praise the 25-year old stopper who has had to be patient for his chance.
Four games and four clean sheets for Robby McCrorie for Rangers isn’t a bad way to start your career between the sticks, with all four games coming against good sides.
The remaining fixtures of this campaign will see the Scotland squad regular face stiff opposition again and will give Michael Beale a great opportunity to assess McCrorie.
What are Michael Beale’s thoughts on Robby McCrorie being Rangers No.1?
When asked about McCrorie’s short-term future, Beale said of the one-time third choice keeper:
“Robby’s going to play for the rest of the season and I’m delighted for him.
“That’s the second time he’s played in this fixture and two clean sheets.
“I think he’s played for Rangers first team four times and got four clean sheets so, he’s set himself a big standard.
“It’s always nice, he’s a home grown boy, he’s had to wait for his time. I tried to remind him, this was the moment, the same age where Allan got the gloves after a lot of loans.
“He’s listened to every bit of advice, he’s doing ok and he’s going to have to keep doing ok because, obviously, it’s a big club and we need a top goalkeeper but he’s showing he is one right now, today.”
Robby McCrorie seemed to be on a linear path to the first team for a long time with many thinking that Allan McGregor’s contracts were extended to give the younger keeper time to step up.
Links to international duo Jack Butland and Angus Gunn suggest that McCrorie could keep clean sheets for the rest of the campaign and still find himself as number two next season.
Michael Beale is right, Rangers do need a top keeper and, in Robby McCrorie, we have one.
Time will tell if he really has what it takes to replace a hall of fame legend.