Heading into this season, Robby McCrorie was probably the closest he’s ever been to the Rangers gloves.
But after Allan McGregor retired, Jack Butland came in and claimed the club’s famous number one jersey as his own in what must’ve been a blow to the now 26-year-old goalkeeper.
The stopper needs game time to progress and it’s in short supply at Rangers, Robby McCrorie’s only appearance of the season coming in the Scottish Cup win over Dumbarton.
Rangers have done their utmost to hold on to the Scotland hopeful but after Jack Butland’s impressive season between the sticks, Robby McCrorie is at a crossroads.
Whilst the situation with Butland remains unclear for the time being – Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 snub sending a firm message over his future – McCrorie appears to have gambled on Rangers one last time.
But could the story of another Rangers academy goalkeeper, linked with a return to Ibrox this window, suggest to McCrorie that a move away from Glasgow might be the best thing for his career?
Rangers target Academy goalkeeper transfer
Rangers appear to be closing in on a return for Ibrox academy graduate Liam Kelly.
The Motherwell and Scotland goalkeeper left Ibrox permanently in the summer of 2018 having never actually played a professional game for the club.
Now, six years on Rangers look set to move for the goalkeeper, who has also been linked with a switch to Celtic.
In many respects a transfer move for Liam Kelly makes perfect sense for Rangers.
Not only is the 28-year-old a homegrown option for UEFA squads, but he is also technically homegrown at the Rangers Training Centre.
One of the Scottish Premiership’s most talented goalkeepers, the signing would also shore up the position behind Jack Butland at Ibrox.
The stopper is also out of contract at the end of the season.
But given Kelly is currently ahead of McCrorie in the Scotland reckoning, and comments from Steve Clarke about the need for game-time, the reports certainly unsettle the future of Robby at Rangers.
They do however send a message to the goalkeeper that there are opportunities both to play away from Rangers, and to potentially return in the future.
McCrorie to follow brother’s path out of Ibrox?
Now, a report is suggesting that Robby McCrorie twin brother Ross out of Ibrox.
Ross McCrorie – who is actually in the provisional Scotland squad for Euro 2024 – left the Gers for Aberdeen on an initial loan deal.
Since then the versatile defender-turned-midfielder has been making a name for himself at Bristol City and as such has worked his way into the Scotland reckoning.
The Daily Record are reporting that Aberdeen are now looking to bring brother Robby McCrorie to Pittodrie next season.
About to come under the management of Swedish boss Jimmy Thelin, the Dons are set to lose number one choice Kelle Roos at the end of the campaign.
Suggesting a similar loan to buy deal could be struck with Robby McCrorie as it was with Ross, the move would surely free up that second place goalkeeper slot in the squad for Liam Kelly to move into.
With Jon McLaughlin also set to leave the club at the end of his current contract, it would allow another Academy goalkeeper in Kieran Wright move into the third choice slot in the squad.
