Ross McCrorie has spoken to the Portsmouth News, about the debut red card which has changed the course of his loan stint.
The 21-year-old was dismissed for two bookable offences on the opening weekend, as Pompey succumbed to a shock defeat to Shrewsbury Town.
McCrorie served a one-game suspension for the League Cup but found himself dropped for the following League One fixture.
Now, he’s found a route back into the side. Somewhat bizarrely, though, he’s being deployed at right-back. Therefore, his red card has had a much more far-reaching effect than just a one-game ban.
Rangers loan star McCrorie feels he didn’t deserve marching orders
“That’s how I play,” the combative Gers Academy graduate told the Portsmouth News. “It’s just sometimes down to a wee bit of luck.”
‘That’s why I thought the red was so harsh and I wasn’t happy at the time, but you must learn from it. I put the referee in a position to make those decisions, but I still think two bookings was harsh.
“Being the first game of the season wasn’t a great start, but there’s a long season ahead.”
Verdict
The opposition player certainly didn’t help McCrorie out, with his theatrics almost certainly playing a part in the youngster’s second yellow card. Understandably keen to impress on debut, though, he was a little overzealous.
It’s rare to see a player answering questions on a red card nearly a month after the event. Especially, when it was for two bookings.
Yet, McCrorie is still dealing with the repercussions in the here and now. Thankfully, he’s worked his way back into the side, just not in the position he would ideally like to be playing.
He’ll be hoping this is just a temporary relocation and that he’ll get his chance to impress in midfield before long.
As a blue nose, the Scotland U21 skipper will want to be doing everything he can to show he’s good enough to make it in the engine room at Ibrox, but he can only do that if Kenny Jackett gives him opportunities.
