Philippe Clement appeared to answer the call of Scotland boss Steve Clarke by handing Robby McCrorie his first minutes of the season against Dumbarton.
The Rangers Academy stopper halted Jack Butland’s ever-present run with a starting berth in the 4-1 victory against the League Two side.
This comes after Scotland boss Clarke had warned Robby McCrorie he needs greater first-team exposure if he hopes to break into his Euro 2024 squad.
Although uncapped by the national side, McCrorie has been routinely invited into the Scotland squad and is viewed as a big goalkeeping prospect for the future.
Philippe Clement on Robby McCrorie
Philippe Clement claims that Robby McCrorie’s start v Dumbarton is anything but a pity appearance with the goalkeeper very much deserving of the opportunity.
The Rangers manager spoke glowingly about the work put in on the training ground by the 26-year-old, who is pushing Butland all the way for the number one jersey.
McCrorie proved his Rangers goalkeeping credentials in the first half to deny Michael Ruth with a point blank save with the score at 0-0.
“That’s why he’s there,” said Clement when asked about the save. “That’s why we give him also the confidence because he’s shown good things in the trainings.
“I don’t give chances to give chances, it’s people who have pushed for it who get chances that’s why it was important that he could get this experience.”
Scotland manager urged Rangers transfer move
The comments will certainly be of interest to Scotland manager Steve Clarke following those Robby McCrorie Rangers warnings.
It’s rare to see an international manager get so involved in the affairs of a club but Clarke clearly feels McCrorie needs regular minutes to progress his career.
Rangers clearly have a long-term plan with the 25-year-old, who has been held onto religiously by Ibrox chiefs ever since coming through the club’s youth ranks.
Jack Butland has been a revelation between the sticks since signing in the summer but the club will surely look to eventually cash in on the goalkeeper in a return to the Premier League.
When they do, perhaps the plan is for young Robby to finally take the number one jersey in Glasgow.
The question is; will either Robby McCrorie or Steve Clarke be willing to wait that long?
