In an interview with The News, Portsmouth, Kenny Jackett has praised Rangers loanee Ross McCrorie.
The Pompey boss has only had the Gers midfielder on loan for a fortnight, but he’s already mightily impressed by the 21-year-old.
McCrorie did extremely well when called upon at Ibrox last season. In fact, the Gers only lost once domestically when he featured.
Yet, after the arrival of Glen Kamara, he slipped down the pecking order somewhat. With Steven Gerrard unable to guarantee him regular first-team football, it was agreed that a loan stint was the best way forward. So far, it looks as though he’s doing the right things on the south coast.
“I’ve been impressed with Ross early on, it’s exciting to see him play, he’s a player that gives us good options,” Jacket told The News, Portsmouth. “Ross gives you a little bit of everything in midfield, he’s a very, very good all-round midfield player.”
“We do think he can develop in terms of his forward play, not just holding, he has the athleticism and power to get forward and get on the end of things.
“I wouldn’t limit him to just being defensive or a holder necessarily, I’d say he has to go into our midfield and do a little bit of everything.
“I hope it’s a coup, we’ll see if he can integrate and take to League One football.”
Verdict
During his time in the Rangers first team, the debate has always been whether he was a centre-back or a holding midfielder. Last season, it became clear that he was best in the middle of the park.
However, one thing that hasn’t really been explored as yet, is his effectiveness going forward. 6ft 3″ and athletic, McCrorie possesses a big physical presence, so the idea of him going forward and getting on the end of crosses is intriguing.
Judging by Jackett’s comments, come the end of the season, the Gers may not just be getting back a youngster with plenty of minutes under his belt, but a more rounded footballer.
