Portsmouth manager unveils his plans to totally transform Rangers’ Ross McCrorie

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Ross McCrorie was sent out on loan by Scottish Premiership challengers Rangers over the summer and he’s making an impact at Fratton Park.

Rangers loanee Ross McCrorie will have to get used to life in a new role with Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett suggesting that the youngster will be playing at right-back for as long as he stays at Fratton Park, speaking to The News.

McCrorie might be just 21 but there is not many positions that he hasn’t played in during his young career already. The versatile starlet was famously tipped to become one of the greatest central defenders in the history of Scottish football by the sound-bite spitting Pedro Caixinha two years ago, as reported by the Record, but arguably produced his best displays in a deep-lying midfield role.

Since joining Portsmouth on a 12-month deal, however, McCrorie has been utilised effectively on the right-hand flank with Pompey boss Jackett bringing him back into the starting XI for Tuesday’s vital 1-0 win against Lincoln City.

And, according to the former Wolves boss, that is where McCrorie is likely to stay for the time being.

“I felt teams had been setting up and leaving us slightly open down that side – and we need an athletic player,” Jackett explained.

“I do think there’s an athlete there (in McCrorie) that can bring the ball out from the back. My thinking is that athleticism is something we’re needed down that right-hand side and that’s the reason.

“We will see how that develops with Ross and whether we can turn that into, not just carrying the ball, but then breaking lines going forward.

“I do think it’s a position where, if Ross can find his bearings, there’s a really good athlete coming out from the back.”

McCrorie has been in and out of the Portsmouth team since being sent off on his debut against Shrewsbury Town in August but the Fratton Park faithful have been quite complimentary of him in his new, more attack-minded role.

And with James Tavernier’s long-term future uncertain with clubs expected to express an interest once again in the New Year, McCrorie’s chances of a second chance at Rangers certainly won’t be harmed by adding another string to the bow.