Could Caixinha try 3-4-2-1 formation to play Ross McCrorie alongside two summer signings?

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Rangers should consider changing to a 3-4-2-1 system to incorporate Ross McCrorie on a regular basis.

Rangers may have lost 2-0 to Celtic on Saturday afternoon, but one bright spot for manager Pedro Caixinha was the performance of defender Ross McCrorie.

The Gers fell to goals from Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths in a comfortable win for Celtic on Saturday, with Caixinha’s summer signings failing to close the grap to the Bhoys.

The likes of Carlos Pena, Fabio Cardoso and Alfredo Morelos couldn’t have the desired impact, but Rangers’ best player on the day was centre back Ross McCrorie, who is showing huge potential.

Moussa Dembele of Celtic is tackled by Ross McCrorie of Rangers during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox Stadium on September 23, 2017 in…

The 19-year-old centre back was handed his first start for Rangers against Celtic and impressed throughout, showing a great reading of the game as well as composure on the ball in a mature performance.

Having invested in Cardoso and Bruno Alves to lead his back line over the summer, Caixinha now faces a decision on how to get McCrorie into his side – and he may have to switch to three at the back.

3-4-2-1 is a popular formation in football right now, and Caixinha may have the personnel to try it himself, starting with Cardoso and McCrorie either side of Alves, using their mobility to help veteran Alves in front of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

Declan John – in the absence of Lee Wallace – and James Tavernier both have the pace and attacking ability to get up and down the pitch as left and right wing backs respectively, whilst Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans can continue their partnership in midfield.

Alfredo Morelos would still lead the line, whilst handing Daniel Candeias and Josh Windass – or even Kenny Miller, Dalcio or Aaron Nemane – the chance to support the striker.

It may be something of a gamble, but a back three of McCrorie, Alves and Cardoso should be built upon, with Caixinha’s 4-4-2 yet to really reap any major rewards for Rangers.