TWIN AT ALL COSTS
Brothers Robby and Ross face off for first time
They’ve been pret ty much inseparable from birth.
As twin brothers, Robby and Ross McCrorie have always been together.
They’ve shared a pitch, a dressing-room, digs, a house – and a fierce competitive streak.
Yet today, for the first time in their fledgling careers, they’ll be apart – on opposing teams.
When defender Ross sealed a move from Rangers to Aberdeen, it was written in the stars that just his second game would be against Livingston where Robby is currently on loan.
Keeper Robby, who still hopes he can crack it at Ibrox, admits it will be strange to see his sibling on the other side of the halfway line.
But when the whistle blows, the determination to win will kick in – and it has been with them since they were kids firing DARTS at each other after a feisty game of FIFA on the Xbox.
Robby can’t wait and said: “This is the first time something like this has ever happened to us. We’ve always been in the same team so this will be a bit different.
“We played in the same boys club growing up, we both joined Rangers at a young age and we’ve also been in the national team together.
“So this is a first. Mum and dad will definitely be sitting on the fence!
“I’ll probably steer clear of messaging him before the game as he’ll be staying up in Aberdeen.
“And I don’t know what to expect once we get into the game.
“My brother and I are very competitive and want the best for the team we’re playing for.
“It won’t matter that we’re playing against each other – our relationship will get brushed aside.
“I’ll be doing what’s best for Livingston and he’ll be the same now for Aberdeen.
“It’s that competitive edge that has driven us on in our careers. We’re both trying to do well, to make our family proud and challenge each other.
“We both feel we’re good enough to play at a good level and that drive has been a big part in getting us to where we want to be.
“There was a wee bit of fighting between us growing up, even in simple games. We’d get angry if we got beat.
“One of us would wind the other one up and we’d go for each other.
“That’s brothers for you. When we were younger, it would be FIFA on the Xbox. But we also had a dart board in our room – so you’d have darts going everywhere!
“We both just love winning and hate losing – so we took that out on each other.”
Not many players move from Ibrox to Pittodrie but it’s a measure of Ross’ mentality that he joined Derek McInnes’ side without hesitation.
Despite a productive loan stint at Portsmouth, it was made clear to him that he wasn’t part of Steven Gerrard’s plans.
Robby is full of admiration for his brother’s conviction in trying to progress his career – and says he shouldn’t be branded a Rangers failure.
He said: “I’m happy that Ross has got this move and he’ll get the opportunity to play because he’s a top player.
“And I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother. He’ll do well at Aberdeen.
“Everyone needs to understand his decision, he just wants to play. The easiest thing when you’re young, especially at a big club like Rangers,
is to sit there in a comfort zone and say: ‘Oh, I’m a Rangers player.’
“But Ross has realised that the best thing for his career is to play.
“It’s difficult when you’re hungry and eager but only get the odd few minutes here and there.
“Football is a short career so you need to make the most of your opportunities. People forget that we’ve both only just turned 22. Ross has played more than 50 games for Rangers.
“There aren’t many players his age who can say that. He effectively established himself in the team at one point.
“It’s just that he’s now accepted it probably won’t happen for him there.”
That doesn’t mean it can’t happen for Robby at Ibrox. He’s regarded as the heir to Alan McGregor’s throne at Rangers if he continues to progress as a first-choice goalkeeper.
His loan at Livingston is the next stage and he’s convinced that – like McGregor in his younger days – it’s a route that can help make him Gers No.1.
McCrorie said: “Hopefully coming here can help me have the best Rangers career I can. That has always been my dream.
“My loans, f irst at Berwick and now at Livingston, are stepping stones to try and get there. I can’t look too far ahead, I just need to do my best here.
“As much as I’d like it to happen now, I have to be realistic. I need to keep building a profile.
“I’m the same as Ross, I want to play every week. But where I am now is the best thing for me. I hope to have a long career but know I need to be patient.
“Allan is always available to me at Rangers. If I need help, he’s there.
“That’s the same with Jon McLaughlin and all the staff.
“I spoke to Allan and made it clear I wanted to go out on loan – and he agreed. He did the same earlier in his career.
“It was the best thing he did. I could have just sat at Rangers but I’m level-headed and want to play.
“Allan has proven this path will give you an opportunity – it’s just about taking it when you get it.
“It’s not easy but if you can prepare yourself in the best way possibly, you’ll get a crack at it.”