Pedro Caixinha has indicated that he may choose to start Ross McCrorie when Celtic take on Rangers on Saturday.
Myles Beerman has only played three times for Rangers since being mauled by an in-form Patrick Roberts in April’s 5-1 Old Firm thumping at Ibrox.
The teenage left-back had only made five senior appearances before Gers manager Pedro Caixinha trusted him to start against the Scottish champions but, since that torturous afternoon against Brendan Rodgers’ rampant visitors, Beerman has barely been seen in the first-team.
Caixinha placing his trust in Rangers’ talented youngsters has earned the Portuguese plenty of credit amongst supporters but the risk certainly backfired in Beerman’s case.
His manager simply expected too much too soon. However, you wonder whether he has even learned from his mistake.
Deja Vu?
Because, after centre-back Ross McCrorie put in an assured display in his senior bow in Tuesday’s 3-1 Betfred Cup quarter-final win against Partick Thistle, Caixinha indicated that he would have few qualms about handing the 19-year-old his league debut in the first Old Firm clash of the season on Saturday.
“I have no concerns about Ross. I never had and never will have. If he needs to play on Saturday, he will play,” Caixinha was quoted as saying by the Scottish Sun after Bruno Alves limped off against Partick.
“Ross McCrorie is going to be one of the best centre halves in history, not just for this club but for this country.”
There is no doubting the talent of the teenage defender. But he might not thank Caixinha for thrusting him into the spotlight if Celtic, boosted by a fully fit Moussa Dembele, repeat the 5-1 thrashing of five months ago.
McCrorie may step up to the plate and perform but Caixinha is taking another huge risk with another inexperienced and unproven youngster.
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