Rangers face transfer fight to hang onto Robby McCrorie with fears Jack Butland arrival could prompt game-time U-turn
RANGERS could face a fight to keep hold of Robby McCrorie this summer.
SunSport understands several clubs are keeping tabs on the goalkeeper’s situation at Ibrox less than a year after he penned a new deal.
The 25-year-old is expected to start the season as back-up following the arrival of Jack Butland.
The England cap signed a four-year contract after leaving Crystal Palace earlier this summer following a loan spell at Manchester United and was immediately handed the No1 jersey.
But Butland’s arrival looks set to see McCrorie – who has been at the club since the age of eight – start the season on the subs bench.
It’s believed that the Scotland shot stopper had been promised the chance to grab the No1 spot this season.
McCrorie could have quit the Light Blues under freedom of contract, with clubs including Manchester United, keen on securing his services.
However, the keeper showed his loyalty by agreeing to a new contract last season in the hope of finally getting his opportunity with his boyhood hero.
McCrorie had been forced to wait for his chance after Jon McLaughlin started the campaign as first choice.
The ex-Sunderland keeper was then axed by then boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst following the 4-0 defeat to Ajax in September in the Champions League group stages.
Veteran Allan McGregor was recalled three months before his 41st birthday and stayed between the sticks for the majority of the campaign.
Gers gaffer Michael Beale has spoken fondly of McCrorie since replacing van Bronckhorst last November and insists he would get an opportunity to impress.
Following the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic in April he was handed a first top team appearance in 19 months in the 1-0 win over Aberdeen on May 7.
In six senior outings he has kept FIVE clean sheets, including the impressive 3-0 win over Celtic at Ibrox.
Gers chiefs would be keen to hold onto the star but another season with a lack of game time for Rangers could also see McCrorie’s international ambitions dented.
The keeper is highly-rated by Scotland gaffer Steve Clarke and has been included in several squads.
However, with Norwich’s Angus Gunn now established as first-choice ahead of Motherwell’s Liam Kelly and Hearts ace Zander Clark, McCrorie’s Scotland hopes could suffer.
McCrorie has seen twin brother Ross leave the club, moving to Aberdeen before earning a switch to English Championship Bristol City as well as being included in the international squad for the wins over Norway and Georgia.
Meanwhile, former No1 McLaughlin is set to leave the club this summer.
The 35-year-old has spent the last three years at Ibrox but club chiefs aren’t expected to be hard to deal with should an offer come in for the Scotland international shot stopper.
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