Ross McCrorie has opened up on the pressures of playing for Portsmouth, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
The 21-year-old joined Pompey on loan in July, despite enjoying a promising 2018/19 at Ibrox.
It was he who pushed through the move, though, rather than Steven Gerrard, with the Scotland youth international keen to get regular game time [Scottish Sun].
It’s not just a case of plodding along in League One, though. Pompey are something of a sleeping giant and after falling in the playoffs last season, there’s a real expectation of promotion this time around.
Rangers loanee claims Portsmouth players face big expectations
“We’re expected to win the league,” said McCrorie, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “I feel the pressure from the fans but I can handle it. I’ve grown up with pressure all my life from being a Rangers player since I was a kid.”
“Some people can’t handle the pressure and crumble, but I thrive under pressure. Portsmouth is a big area and there are Portsmouth fans wherever you go. It’s similar to Glasgow that way.”
Verdict
It’s great to see McCrorie speaking so positively about himself and the challenges he is currently facing down south.
After finding himself down the pecking order at Rangers, it would have been easy to throw the toys out and head off to England feeling sorry for himself.
Instead, he’s got himself a loan, to a club where he thinks he can really be of use. It’s the sort of approach Steven Gerrard is sure to love.
The Head of Rangers’ Academy, Craig Mulholland, talks about the need for players not just to go on loan, but to go to the right club for them [Scottish Sun].
For a young player dubbed a ‘future captain’ by Gers fans, joining a side hunting for silverware was key.
With one win from their opening five matches, it’s been a really disappointing start for Kenny Jackett’s side.
It’s clear that the focus is still very much on success though, and recently reinstated to the midfield, McCrorie wants to be a driving force behind that.
