As quoted by Portsmouth News, Kenny Jackett has refused to rule out attempting to convert Ross McCrorie to a full-back.
The 21-year-old Ibrox favourite is currently on loan at the EFL League One outfit. Having been dropped from the side after picking up a red card on debut, he came off the bench on Saturday at right-back.
He only played the final 20 minutes, but it was a strange move to introduce him as a straight swap for starting right-back Anton Walkes.
Judging by the manager’s latest comments, though, it’s something we may have to get used to.
Portsmouth boss claims Rangers loanee could make position change
“I wouldn’t [be against playing him at right-back again],” said Jackett, as quoted by Portsmouth News. “It will be interesting to see how he develops.”
“There’s no reason why I wouldn’t. He’s got the attributes and the athleticism to do it. And he has the confidence to do it, whether it’s a new position or not.
“We’ve kept him out of the team for a couple of games and he’s now broken back in at right-back. That’s no problem because he’s a good player.”
Verdict
When McCrorie secured this loan move last month, few would have predicted this situation.
He started the first game of the season in his favoured central midfield role, but it seems one red card and the subsequent performances of his competition have completely changed his situation at Pompey.
Of course, the Scotland U21 skipper is no stranger to operating at the back. He flitted between midfield and defence up until the last 18 months or so and has played at centre-back in multiple Old Firms.
Full-back is something entirely new, though.
Personality wise, he seems the type of player who will just put his head down and get on with it. Yet, it’ll be interesting to see how this news might be received back at Ibrox.
Gerrard loaned McCrorie out as a promising midfielder who he himself identified as a future Rangers captain [Rangers YouTube]. If playing full-back gets him game time, it’s better than sitting on the bench.
It’ll be doing little for his position-specific development, though, and should this continue over the coming weeks and months, the Gers boss could even consider exercising the club’s recall option in January.
