Philippe Clement insists that Robby McCrorie will not be leaving Ibrox this month after the Rangers goalkeeper made his first competitive appearance of the season against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup.
And while Robby McCrorie didn’t have too much to concern himself with away to lower league opposition on Saturday, the seldom-seen shot-stopper still make one big save with the scores level at 0-0.
McCrorie would have been forgiven for needing a bit of time to shake off the rust after six months on the bench but that stop early on in Dumbarton certainly did not create the impression of a goalkeeper suffering the after-effects of life stuck behind Jack Butland in Philippe Clement’s pecking order.
The Gers boss, meanwhile, is ruling out a January departure, either temporary or permanent.
Robby McCrorie will stay at Rangers for now
McCrorie’s Ibrox future remains uncertain long-term but, as Clement explains, any decision will be made in the summer, not now.
“No (he will not leave),” the former Monaco boss says. “How can you put, with nine days to go, a player on loan if you don’t have another goalkeeper in? It was never the plan. It was clearly discussed with Robby before the winter break also.
“He will be here, and he did good things (vs Dumbarton). I gave him the chance to play this game. I don’t have to do that. And also the (friendly) games against Hertha and Copenhagen to get the minutes.
“He is ready. We will go on like that in the next six months. And then we can make a new evaluation. He is going to be here until the end of the season for sure.”
Stuck behind Jack Butland
At the age of 25, and with just one first-team appearance under his belt throughout the current campaign, McCrorie’s patience will not last forever, however. Perhaps that is why Rangers appear to be keeping an eye on Will Dennis (Daily Record). The Kilmarnock glovesman has been so impressive on loan from AFC Bournemouth.
Rangers, meanwhile, are expected to bring in a new face at the other end of the pitch over the next week. Mohamed Diomande is reportedly arriving for around £4.5 million from Nordsjaelland, although Clement would not be drawn on those reports at his Tuesday press conference.
