Jackett tips Ibrox ace McCrorie to storm back
BY GRAEME YOUNG
ROSS McCRORIE has been tipped to recover from the “frustration” of his latest Portsmouth setback.
The Rangers loanee’s spell with League One Pompey has been hit with suspension and injury issues and now the Scotland Under-21 player is set for another stint on the sidelines.
McCrorie limped off in the 42nd minute of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich with a suspected hamstring injury – the same complaint which kept the utility man out of action for four matches last month.
The 21-year-old’s time in the south coast has been beset by a series of setbacks and most of his game time has come at the unfamiliar position of right-back.
Boss Kenny Jackett is adamant McCrorie has the mental strength to cope with the latest body blow.
Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Jackett said: “It is frustration for Ross, he again showed 30-40 minutes of talent and has missed out. We have to be patient with him, there is definitely a player there.
“He has felt his hamstring slightly, which is a frustration because he had a bright half an hour.
“It seems to be the same hamstring he has done before, but wasn’t as bad, he was talking about carrying on, which isn’t the best thing to do. We took him off and are hoping it’s not too bad.
“He is a very good lad in terms of his character, he won’t buckle, he won’t go under, that’s the good thing.
“It’s too early to tell, hamstrings are not good injuries. Well, Saturday to Thursdays they are not usually good, and that’s the case here.
“It’s a tough one to make the rest of the month.”