McCrorie hopes to build on club chance

Ross McCrorie has enjoyed a dramatic change to his life since breaking into the Rangers side this season but only now feels like a “proper” first team player.

The 19-year-old centre-back was handed his debut by former Light Blues boss Pedro Caixinha in a 3-1 Betfred Cup win against Partick Thistle in September and has since become a regular.

He scored his first goal in the 3-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win against the Jags before the international break, where stand-in boss Graeme Murty preferred the youngster to experienced Portugal defender Bruno Alves.

McCrorie is likely to start for Scotland Under-21s in their 2019 European Championship qualifier against Ukraine tonight after John Souttar sustained concussion in the 1-1 draw against Latvia on Friday and, if he does, it will be with the confidence of a player who no longer feels like a youth player at his club.

“Life has changed dramatically to be honest,” he said. “Obviously making my debut and staying in the team for the last eight games, it has been brilliant and hopefully I can keep building on it.

“And that’s me moved into the first team dressing room. I am up among the first team boys and I am loving every minute of it.

“It hasn’t been too much difference because I know them all and train with them every day but I have my locker, that’s the difference.

“When you were with the Under-20s you always felt like a youth player but now I feel as if I am a proper first team player and feel part of it and hopefully I can get a few more games and see what happens.”

McCrorie is ready for another career landmark, a first start for Scot Gemmill’s side in Perth.

He said: “I have made a few appearances for the 21s off the bench but hopefully I can get my first start and we build on that.”

The draw against Latvia left the Scots in third place in Group 4 with seven points from four games – a point behind Holland and six points off leaders England, both of whom have played a game more.

However, Gemmill remains relaxed about Scotland’s qualification chances.

“I will tell you the truth, I haven’t even looked at the league table,” he said.

“The preparation will be exactly the same – wherever we are in the league table we need to find a way to beat Ukraine.”

Ross McCrorie: kept his place in Rangers’ first team.