Ross McCrorie’s loan stint at Portsmouth hadn’t got off to the ideal start.
The 21-year-old was sent off on his league debut and then deployed at right-back, with his new manager, Kenny Jackett, suggesting he could play him there indefinitely.
However, things took a turn for the better on Wednesday evening.
McCrorie was reinstated to the midfield in the League Cup second round clash away against QPR.
Facing Championship opposition, Jackett gave McCrorie his big chance back in the midfield and the 21-year-old helped Pompey to a 2-0 victory.
He played the 90 minutes and set up the second goal for Marcus Harness, helping his new side march on to the third round.
He collected bragging rights over an old Ibrox teammate in the process, too.
Liam Kelly, who signed for QPR back in June, was between the sticks for Warburton’s side. He’s struggled for game time behind Academy graduate, Joe Lumley, but after finally getting a chance to impress, he shipped two goals in the latter stages.
McCrorie will be hoping that his contribution to this big win will advance the case for him to return to the midfield for league action.
Pompey take on Blackpool on Saturday afternoon, and after a poor start to the league campaign, McCrorie will be angling for a move away from right-back, where he has featured in the last two league fixtures.