Rangers Academy graduate Robby McCrorie is set for his long-awaited professional Ibrox debut against Alashkert as two of the clubs first-team goalkeepers reportedly self-isolate.
The Gers are in the midst of a Covid-19 storm which sees six players and manager Steven Gerrard forced into isolation due to confirmed positives for the coronavirus.
Whilst it is not clear who has tested positive for the virus, the club’s two first-choice goalkeepers in Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin are reportedly among the party self-isolating [Sky Sports].
This has indirectly handed Rangers Academy graduate McCrorie, 23, his chance in the upcoming matches against Alashkert and Celtic.
McCrorie has long been one of the most talked up prospects in the Ibrox Academy but to date, he is yet to appear professionally for the first team.
The goalkeeper has undergone a series of loan moves in recent seasons with the likes of Berwick Rangers, Greenock Morton, Queen of the South and Livingston as he awaits his opportunity.
The time is nigh for a hero and McCrorie is set for a baptism of fire in the 35+ degree heat of Armenia before – presumably – taking up the gloves for the visit of Celtic.
Being a homegrown player McCrorie is included in the squad for the Alashkert match whilst traditional third choice keeper Andy Firth misses out.
This could be enough for McCrorie to secure the gloves for the upcoming Old Firm match against Celtic but after years of talking the youngster up, the ball is finally in his hands.
At times like this comes with it opportunity and Robby now has the chance to go and prove why so many at Ibrox view him as a future Rangers number one.
For all the reports regarding the potential Ibrox absentees due to the confirmed Covid-19 positives, one leading insider is urging the club’s fans to treat reports with “caution”.
