David Bates is set to leave Rangers for Hamburg this summer.
According to the BBC, Rangers defender David Bates is set to quit Ibrox and join Hamburg on a four-year deal this summer when his contract in Glasgow expires.
The 21-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Gers this season, and many expected him to renew his current deal and remain at the Scottish Premiership club as an established first-team member.
Bates’ decision to join Hamburg is no doubt a blow for caretaker boss Graeme Murty, with the player an ever-present first-teamer under the former Reading defender – but it provides an opportunity for another to step up.
Ross McCrorie was always a player likely to become a Rangers regular in the near future, and Bates’ decision to leave for the Bundesliga could have cleared a path for more first-team opportunities.
A spell on the side-lines with injury has restricted McCrorie to just one league appearance in 2018, but between now and the end of the season he may get a chance to stake his claim for a permanent spot.
The former development squad captain can play in both defence and midfield, but with Rangers soon-to-be rather light in defence, there is every reason to play McCrorie in his natural centre-back role.
Murty started the Scotland U21 international in the recent 4-0 win over Dundee, and despite looking a little shaky at times, his assurance on the ball and commanding frame is evident for all to see.
McCrorie, standing at 6ft 3inch, may have been provided an opportunity to break through to the first-team, and he knows that making the correct impression could allow his Ibrox career to flourish.
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