The Rangers Director of Football is delighted with the progress Docherty has made since heading out on loan last summer.
This time last year Docherty was even more out of favour in Steve Gerrard’s estimation than McCrorie was, not deeming the player to be quite at the level he needed to compete in the central midfield.
McCrorie meanwhile was given a chance to push for a first-team place and ended up making 31 appearances in all competitions for the Gers.
This transfer window the roles have been reversed, with Docherty apparently in line to remain a part of Gerrard’s squad and the 21-year-old loaned out to English League One side Portsmouth.
Director of Football Allen has moved to reaffirm the club’s belief in McCrorie, hoping that he shines down south and manages to return with more quality to his game.
As quoted by rangersfc.co.uk, he said: “Ross is someone who we see with a bright, bright future here at Rangers.
“Similarly to Greg Docherty last year, I think we have seen the merits of Greg going out and playing regular, 40 to 50 games of football, and that is what we feel Ross needs to add to his armoury now.
“I think the example of Greg last year – he has come back a different player to the one who left us having played so much football, and we are hoping the same applies to Ross.”
Docherty certainly took the opportunities available to him at Shrewsbury Town last term.
In total he made 50 appearances for the Shrews, scoring an impressive ten goals from midfield and assisting 11 more. His form was so good that he ended up winning club player of the season awards.
On his return, he earned his first competitive start under Gerrard just last week, registering three assists.
The loan move has clearly filled him with the kind of confidence that he can put to good use at Ibrox and he doesn’t appear to be far away from Gerrard’s regular first-team plans at all.
If McCrorie can replicate that, Rangers will be enhanced greatly next summer.
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