There’s only one thing that’s stopped Ross McCrorie for Scotland in recent days – his lack of game-time.
The Rangers youngster must be ruing the fact that he’s yet to star for Steven Gerrard’s side since September’s 4-0 rout of Ayr United. It’s been a time of confusion and frustration for the Gers starlet this season.
The likes of Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Jack are keeping him well and truly in the back-burner. Lassana Coulibaly, who has seriously had a drop off in form, is also ahead of McCrorie.
He must look at the situation with deep regret when he looks at the Scotland scene. Alex McLeish has had to deal with an incredible nine call-offs from his squad in recent days. Granted, they leaped to his defence with a 4-0 rout of Abania yesterday, showing that the squad still has real talent in it despite the drop-outs.
If this was last-season, McCrorie would’ve been one of the players drafted in for one of the call-offs. After all, the youngster made a sensational 25 appearances for the club in a breakout season. This term? Just five domestic outings with one being a start.
Was there a case for his inclusion anyway?
You could argue McCrorie should’ve already made the squad regardless. After all, the Rangers midfielder is the captain of the under-21 side. In recent times, he’s led his young side to victories over sides such as the Netherlands.
It’s odd to see McCrorie’s international career flying a tad more highly than his Rangers one. There’s no denying, however, that he would’ve strongly benefited from a run in the Rangers side this season.
It’s time McCrorie found himself a route out of Ibrox for the time being. He’s been restricted to substitute appearances and cameo roles, and it’s doing him no good.
Gerrard has only seemed to find room for him when Rangers are trying to see out a game. From the start? The Rangers manager isn’t so sure about throwing the midfielder in.
Competition is at a premium at Ibrox, and it’ll only get more fierce after January. McCrorie will need to do something to impress the Gers manager as soon as possible.
More missed chances such as this one for Scotland will have him kicking himself further.
