Michael Beale will never get a better opportunity to throw Robby McCrorie the chance to resurrect his Rangers career.
When Allan McGregor came off the bench deep into extra-time to replace the magnanimous Jon McLaughlin in the Scottish Cup final against Hearts last May, the obvious conclusion to draw was that it was the last time we would see the Rangers Hall of Fame inductee between the sticks.
Another contract was then put in front of the Scotland international and he duly put pen to paper only to find a place on the bench at the start of this season.
Robby McCrorie, despite impressing when Covid-19 ruled out his senior colleagues – keeping two clean sheets against Alashkert and Celtic in the process – was entitled to feel even harder done by being trusted only as third choice.
This situation was one that McGregor wouldn’t have to contend with for long though as McLaughlin produced back-to-back sub-par performances against Celtic and Ajax and an injury saw the Rangers number one restored to his regular role.
Ross Wilson failing to invest in a new and established stopper after winning title 55 remains a decision that causes Gers fans sleepless nights on a regular basis, the Old Firm defeat, again, highlighting why.
Why Michael Beale has to hand Robby McCrorie his chance
Ben Davies and John Souttar carry the burden of responsibility for the two goals that gifted Celtic a two-goal lead, however, with a more pro-active keeper behind them do they make the same errors?
The obvious solution is that McCrorie is finally given the chance to stake his claim.
Speaking in January, Beale hinted at McCrorie being given minutes between now and the end of the season and, with the league all but gone, there is nothing to lose.
“He’s a young goalkeeper that needs an opportunity. He’s shown he can play in our top division on loan and do well.
“He’s broken into the Scottish squad as well. You go off what you see in training and I have no bias towards anyone here.
“Once Robby is fit, the plan before the end of the season is to give him an opportunity to showcase that he can be the number one here for Rangers going forward.”
It would take a brave manager to throw McCrorie into the Hampden showdown with Celtic that will be the difference between retaining the Scottish Cup or an inevitable treble making its way to the east end.
The former Scotland Under-21 international has done it before though; after all, he’s the last Rangers keeper to keep a clean sheet in an Old Firm derby.
