Rangers Academy graduate Robby McCrorie is set for a chance to fight for his spot at Ibrox after the summer transfer window closed without him heading out on loan.
McCrorie appeared in pre-season but was clearly the third choice when the competitive action began, with experienced goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, when McGregor and McLaughlin were both ruled out of the Europa League playoff second leg against Alashkert and Sunday’s Old Firm at Ibrox, McCrorie came into the side.
The 23-year-old showed good decision-making and handling skills on his competitive debut in Armenia and then delivered under pressure against Celtic, producing a fine save from Kyogo Furuhashi in the second half.
There was a chance that with McGregor and McLaughlin set to be available once again after the international break, McCrorie would head out on loan soon after his derby day display.
After all, the former Scotland youth international has already had five stints away from Ibrox at Berwick Rangers, Greenock Morton, Queen of the South and Livingston (twice).
However, the window closed on Tuesday night without any movement, so it looks like he will be given the chance to fight for his place.
Some domestic loans can still happen after the deadline if the player in question is moving to a non-Premiership club, but McCrorie is surely beyond that level now, so he’s likely to remain with the first-team squad until at least January.
Another promising keeper, 22-year-old Kieran Wright, who was on the bench at the weekend, didn’t leave on loan either, so he may also continue to provide cover until the winter window.
In other news, in a boost for Rangers, one of the players who missed out against Alashkert and Celtic following the Covid outbreak at Ibrox has returned to training.
