Ross McCrorie made his second appearance for Pompey at right-back – could Steven Gerrard take a leaf out of Kenny Jackett’s book?
Mr reliable Ross McCrorie has just added another string to his bow.
A player who quickly became a valuable member of Rangers’ squad thanks to his ability to play at centre-half and in defensive midfield appears to have already mastered yet another position just weeks after leaving Ibrox on loan.
McCrorie made only his second appearance for Portsmouth on Saturday but, after returning from suspension following a debut red card, he gave the supporters something to cheer despite a 2-1 defeat away at Sunderland.
If the 21-year-old playing at right-back was a surprise, the biggest shock was how well he adapted to an unfamiliar position. McCrorie looked a natural on the flank, providing plenty of energy and launching assaults aplenty in the final third.
“Ross did very well and gave us some thrust down the right that we were maybe lacking earlier in the game. I was impressed with his performance,” Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett told the club’s official website.
Though Jackett wasn’t the only man of a Portsmouth persuasion left pleasantly surprised by McCrorie’s first appearance since the opening day defeat to Shrewsbury Town.
Who knows, perhaps McCrorie could master this new-look role over the next eight or nine months before returning to Rangers ready to challenge captain James Tavernier for a place in Steven Gerrard’s starting XI.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
