Livingston manager Gary Holt has told BBC Sport that Rangers loanee Robby McCrorie was ‘exceptional’ on his Premiership debut on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper was recalled from a loan stint with Championship club Queen of the South when Livi expressed interest in bringing him in as their no.1 until the end of the season.
His switch to West Lothian was only completed on Tuesday afternoon, but little over 24 hours later, he was named in the starting XI for their top-flight clash against St Johnstone.
It must have been difficult for McCrorie to enter a new group and immediately be thrown in at the deep end, but he certainly didn’t show it.
The Scotland youth international commanded his area and pulled off three saves on his way to securing a clean sheet, as the Lions emerged 1-0 winners.
“I thought Robby, for a young lad on his debut, was exceptional,” Holt told BBC Sport after the game. “I thought his handling was perfect, he knew when to come and when to stay and certainly helped the boys in front of him.”
“He made crucial saves at crucial times for us and didn’t look flustered.”
Verdict
It’s a great start to what is set to be a big loan spell for young McCrorie.
He has built up experience across stints in League Two and the Championship in recent seasons, but this is his biggest test yet and it could scarcely have begun on a brighter note.
A standout performance such as this one is a great way to endear himself to his new teammates and there’s no doubt that Steven Gerrard will be keeping a close eye on his displays from afar.
Next up is a trip to Hamilton on Saturday afternoon and he’ll be keen to demonstrate that his debut performance was no flash in the pan.
