Rangers legend Derek Johnstone suggests McCrorie is too weak to play centre-half

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Ross McCrorie endured a tough afternoon against Celtic on Sunday as the Rangers defence was torn apart by a rampant Hoops side.

Derek Johnstone knows a thing or two about playing different positions for Rangers having played as a striker, central defender and midfielder throughout his career.

The former Scotland international played for Rangers during the 70s and 80s and played 350 league games for the club, scoring 131 goals.

According to Johnstone, following his display against Celtic last weekend, Ross McCrorie does not possess the strength to play centre-back and should be used as a midfielder.

The Rangers academy product has grown up playing in both positions, but his inability to keep the likes of Moussa Dembele under control on Sunday was enough evidence for Johnstone that he should be playing in midfield instead of defence.

Speaking to Radio Clyde’s Superscoreboard, the Rangers legend said: “The one thing he would learn, and hopefully he has learned, is that Ross McCrorie is a better midfielder than he is a centre back.

“Dembele played excellent on Sunday and bullied him, simply because he’s bigger than him and he’s a lot stronger than Ross. Ross is a decent player. I like him in midfield rather than as a centre back.

“Any experienced striker, a big lad with a bit of weight, is going to lean on him and is going to get the better of him.”

Unfortunately for Rangers, the club may not have decision but to continue playing McCrorie in the heart of defence, with David Bates currently out injured and set to leave the club as it is, whilst Norwich City loanee Russell Martin, who has been a severe disappointment since joining in January, will likely be playing his football elsewhere next season.

With Bruno Alves also likely to look for a move in the summer having endured a tricky season in terms of form and injury, the club are looking pretty thin when it comes to central defensive options, and will have to hope that, at 20, McCrorie still has the time to develop his frame and become a the dominant centre-half they are hoping he can be.