An injury blow for Jon McLaughlin could impact Rangers’ approach with fellow keeper Robby McCrorie as transfer deadline day moves ever closer.
McLaughlin was named between the sticks in the Gers’ opening two 2021/22 Premiership matches but didn’t travel to Dingwall on Sunday.
Prior to kick-off, Steven Gerrard confirmed that the Scotland international had picked up an injury that had ruled him out of contention [RangersTV].
His absence ensured Allan McGregor kept his place in the side following a clean sheet against Alashkert, while Robby McCrorie was named on the bench.
As the third-choice keeper at Ibrox, it seemed likely that McCrorie would head out on loan for game time prior to the end of the window.
The 23-year-old has already had five loan stints away from Ibrox and there would be little point in him hanging around at Auchenhowie with next to no chance of featuring.
However, now, his situation may well have changed.
Gerrard didn’t provide much detail regarding McLaughlin’s knock, but if it turns out to be significant enough to keep him out of action into September, any prospective loan move for McCrorie may have to be scrapped.
There is the option of letting the Academy graduate head out elsewhere and temporarily promoting 22-year-old Kieran Wright to the role of backup.
However, a loan move may already be lined up for him, too.
The short-term futures of two young players could be affected depending on the length of McLaughlin’s absence, then, so it won’t just be the ex-Sunderland star hoping he makes a speedy recovery.
Scott Wright also missed Sunday’s win in Dingwall and Glen Kamara required treatment during the game, with Gerrard providing an update on his condition during his post-match interview.
