Reserve Rangers goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has been drafted into the Scotland national team raising some questions about the situation involving Jon McLaughlin.
Ibrox deputy McLaughlin, 34, is a regular in Steve Clarke’s squads but was a surprise absentee this time around, although the twice-capped stopper rarely features.
Instead, the Scotland boss had put his faith in Hearts star Craig Gordon, Motherwell’s Liam Kelly and St Johnstone hero Zander Clark.
But after Zander Clark dropped out to marry his partner, Steve Clarke drafted in Robby McCrorie to the squad and not Jon McLaughlin.
The 24-year-old Ibrox Academy graduate comes in for the UEFA Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland (A) and Armenia (A).
“I’ve lost a couple, I mentioned a way back about wedding dates and Zander Clark and Liam Cooper have both left the squad to go away and get married and we wish them well,” said Clark [Planet Radio].
“I have called up Robby McCrorie, who has come in as another goalkeeper, so good for Robbie.”
Robby McCrorie call-up raises Jon McLaughlin Scotland questions
It’s not the first time Robby McCrorie has been included in the Scotland squad, the young keeper previously being included whilst on loan at Livingston.
But it is the first time since Robby has actively been at Rangers and perhaps nods to the nation’s belief that the goalkeeper could be a leading choice for selection in the future.
It also raises some questions regarding the condition of Jon McLaughlin, who has previously been lauded by Steve Clarke.
The Scotland boss claimed the keeper is “always” in his squad and when fit and firing is “at the front” of his mind regarding selection [Scotsman].
Signing a new two-year deal at Rangers, many are tipping McLaughlin to move into the number one slot next season with doubts remaining over the future of Allan McGregor.
Meanwhile, one Rangers star has been subject to some unfair commentary after a rare lapse of concentration on international duty.