Robby McCrorie has only played three games for Rangers but in each one he has looked more assured than the last.
Starting the season as the Gers third choice keeper, Robby McCrorie could well end the season as number one as he plans to keep hold of the starting jersey, as told to the club’s official website.
At 25-years old, it really is now or never for Robby McCrorie who, despite not being a first team regular, has still been called up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squads.
In the three games that McCrorie has been picked, he has kept clean sheets, made good saves and commanded his area.
His distribution has also been faultless.
Robby McCrorie sets sights on being Rangers number one
Speaking about his contract extension earlier this season, McCrorie made no secret of what his intentions are over the coming years:
“I love the club and signing the contract is hopefully a statement of intent going forward for myself and the club.
I think it’s important to try and assert myself in the team, to do everything possible to make myself successful and, more importantly, make the club successful.
“Hopefully I can play as many games as possible.
“I’ve tried to make the most of every day I have been here, soaking up what the club has done in terms of the European run and winning the Scottish Cup last season. I’ve tried to use those experiences to help me going forward.
“Over the period of this contract it’s important that when the time comes, I’ll be ready.
“The reason I signed the contract is because I love this club and I want to really kick on with my career and establish myself as a first-team goalkeeper.”
As with any other position, if someone is on form, they deserve to start, regardless of who might be looking on from the bench.
Already it’s looking like Steven Gerrard made a mistake recalling Allan McGregor after McCrorie’s first two appearances last season.
No keeper, or player, is perfect.
A seamless transition up the leagues on loan spells saw him impress at Livingston for six months, so much so, that he was signed again the following season.
David Martindale’s side then struggled after losing key players with the defence in particular affected and McCrorie’s confidence took a hit.
This doesn’t mean that he is a bad player or not good enough for Rangers.
Andy Goram was written off initially and he is the best we have ever seen.
Chris Woods and Stefan Klos also had dips in form.
What McCrorie has shown is that he is the modern goalkeeper that Rangers need.
If another number one is brought in during the summer then they need to be a similar template.
Comfortable taking the ball anywhere in and around the box, sweep up behind their defence and stop attacks before they become a problem.
McCrorie made his save at 0-0 against Duk of Aberdeen look comfortable but he reacted quickly to the square ball and covered the ground faster than any of his more experienced teammates could.
Is he as good as Allan McGregor? No.
But we shouldn’t expect him to be, it’s not fair to expect someone to replace a genuine legend and hall of fame player.
Is he good enough to be Rangers number one? Yes. 100%, and we should back him accordingly.
Starting, hopefully, with today.
