NO GO PEDRO
Gemmill claims win in tug of war over Gers ace McCrorie
SCOT GEMMILL has told Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha that starlet Ross McCrorie is better off tackling England’s Under-21 side than Benfica in a friendly.
The Ibrox gaffer insisted he wanted the teenager to travel with the club to Canada for a Eusebio Cup clash with the Portuguese outfit on October 6.
Caixinha felt the glamour game in Toronto would benefit McCrorie, 19, more than a Euro qualifying clash against the Auld Enemy and a trip to Latvia with the U21s.
The centre-back has impressed for Rangers in their last two games – including his Old Firm debut at Ibrox last weekend.
But Gemmill has included McCrorie in his squad for the double-header which begins in Middlesbrough next Friday against the English.
And due to UEFA’s five-day rule on withdrawals, he insists Gers boss Caixinha is powerless to prevent the stopper’s inclusion.
Gemmill said: “We are keen for Ross to be with the national team. We’ve already spoken to Rangers and I’m sure everything will be amicable.
“We feel the UEFA ruling supports him coming away with Scotland. He’s going to be involved in a couple of really high-level games so I don’t expect it to be an issue. We believe we have priority.
“I’m biased as Scotland U21 coach but coming with us he’ll be an important member of the squad. We want our best players with us.
“There has already been communication between Hampden and Rangers and I don’t see it being a problem.”
Gemmill has been delighted with McCrorie’s impact at Rangers having watched his early career develop through the national youth sides.
And he backed up Caixinha’s claim that the defender could have a big future.
He said: “It’s brilliant his boss trusted him to play in an Old Firm game. Ross has been patiently waiting for a chance.
“Anybody who knows Ross would have known he would handle that occasion.
“He’s really level-headed and we’re delighted for him. It’s great that Pedro was so complimentary of him.
“Young players in Scotland are trying to get over each hurdle and progress up the ladder. They have to strive for the full squad and that’s what the U21 team is for.”
Meanwhile Celtic have confirmed right-back Anthony Ralston has minor knee injury which will require him to rest during the international break, although he is available for tonight’s Champions League clash with Anderlecht.
Gemmill said: “It’s disappointing because Tony has been doing a great job for his club and was great in our first qualifying game against Holland. But it’s an opportunity for whoever plays instead of him.”
In addition to Dunfermline defender Ryan Williamson, Gemmill has handed call-ups to Hamilton midfielder Greg Docherty – who also qualifies for Ireland – and Motherwell’s Allan Campbell.
The Scots boss said: “I was never in any doubt Greg would play for us because he was with us at the end of last season. He knows how highly I regard him.
“He’s playing in the Premier League, scoring goals so why wouldn’t he be in? I don’t know how serious Ireland’s interest was but it didn’t concern me.
“Campbell has been doing great for an in-form Motherwell. They’ve had some strong displays and he has been a big part of that.”