Boss must now decide if backup plays it for keeps

THE last week has given Steven Gerrard a huge headache – thankfully not Covid related.

The long-awaited emergence of Robby McCrorie in goal for two pressure-cooker games could hardly have gone more smoothly.

Great for all involved but the success of the keeper’s breakthrough brings with it a massive decision for the Ibrox management team.

Is now the time to stick with a talent in whom they’ve invested years of work and a career plan – or do they return to the tried and tested safe hands of Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin?

Before anyone scoffs at the suggestion the two senior men could be replaced by a 23-year-old it’s worth remembering McCrorie is far from a rookie with over 100 senior games including a national cup final.

It’s also exactly a year since he was called up by Steve Clarke to the Scotland senior squad.

But perhaps most telling is the symmetry of McCrorie’s breakthrough in the last few days to that of the man he has long been lined up to replace as No.1 at Ibrox.

A 24-year-old McGregor was thrust into the spotlight in September 2006 after injuries to Stefan Klos and Lionel Letizi.

A man-of-the-match performance in a UEFA Cup qualifier at Molde was followed up with an SPL Player of the Month award weeks later.

McGregor went on to make 42 appearances that season and never looked back.

McCrorie’s development has been stop-start in the past two years but those who have worked closest with him hold him in the highest regard – and that includes McGregor.

There were no flashy saves or acrobatics against Alashkert or Celtic but two clean sheets laden with positive decisions and fundamentally good goalkeeping.

His positioning and bravery when taking a dunt to the head was one. His speed of mind to come off his line and sweep up a Celtic attack then his positioning and shape to deny Kyogo Furuhashi in a one-on-one were two others – huge moments in two massive games for the club.

This was always going to be a pivotal campaign for McCrorie. After a standout season on loan at Queen of the South and Livingston two years ago he returned to Livi last year but struggled for consistency and was in and out the team.

Rangers decided not to farm him out this summer and that decision

Decision not to farm McCrorie out this season has paid dividends

has paid dividends after the problems that beset the squad last week.

It’s also hard not to judge his progress in line with another top young keeper to have come out of Ibrox, Liam Kelly, who also saw his career take off after a spell at Livi.

McCrorie may be two years younger but at the same age Kelly was making 22 appearances for QPR. His career has continued to progress and now he is deservedly back in the Scotland squad with Motherwell.

McCrorie is at a key stage in his development. The first name on the team sheet when Rangers return to action against St Johnstone after the international break will make for interesting reading.