Andy Firth’s new contractat Rangers means the former Liverpool keeper will remain at Ibrox until the end of the 2021/22 season as back up to Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlan – and it will almost certainly mean a summer exit for Robby McCrorie.
Firth’s new deal, confirmed by the Gers earlier this week, came as something of a surprise when it was initially announced but, after thinking about it for a few days, it actually makes a lot of sense.
McCrorie has spent the last 18 months on loan with Livingston, almost lifting the League Cup with the West Lothian side, as he gained invaluable first-team experience in the Scottish Premiership.
At 23, McCrorie is at the stage of his career when a season sat spent in the stand watching Allan McGregor play on a Saturday and Wednesday isn’t going to help him reach the level he’s long been touted to be capable of.
A return to Rangers at this point of his career would probably end up being counter-productive and leave McCrorie – and the club itself – rueing what would amount to a wasted year.
With 26 appearances for Livi under his belt, another year out on loan looks almost certain to be the best move for the Scotland squad keeper as he looks to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Rangers.
Allan McGregor’s decision to also sign a one-year extension to his deal will have left McCrorie looking at being third-choice, at best, next season so a move away for the next 12 months makes sense.
Whether he returns to Livingston or Rangers decide they’d rather he went elsewhere is anyone’s guess but it would be a massive surprise if McCrorie stuck around at Ibrox in the short-term.
In other news, Pundit backs Rangers star to win shock spot at Euro 2020 after stunning performances
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