BOB A JOB FOR KID McCRORIE
Thommo: I’m ready to be a boss
BOB MALCOLM thinks Ross McCrorie can be the perfect pupil for Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister and develop into a midfield master.
The 20-year-old will return for the new season as one of the key men in the Rangers set-up having forced his way onto the scene last term.
McCrorie made several appearances as a central defender for both Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty.
But with two midfield maestros in Gerrard and McAllister taking the reins, former Rangers utility man Malcolm has no doubts the pair will see the youngster’s true value as a classy engine-room operator.
Malcolm had similar issues when he broke into the Ibrox set-up. Sometimes defender, often midfielder.
McCrorie has impressed in both areas of the park but Malcolm says there’s no debate over his future position and it won’t even be worth a discussion when the new management duo see his talents at Auchenhowie.
He said: “Centrehalf is difficult for a youngster. You are the last line of defence before the keeper and, if you make a KEVIN THOMSON admits he’s ready to be a boss and would be interested in the Livingston job. The ex-Hibs, Rangers and Scotland midfielder has been linked with the post in West Lothian. And while the Rangers youth coach has not spoken to the Lions about succeeding David Hopkin, he has made inquiries. Thomson said: “I’ve prepared myself to be ready. I could take the job tomorrow and I’d be comfortable in doing it. “Do I want the job? I’d be interested in it but I’ve not spoken to them. I inquired about it to see what their thoughts were. It’s a great job, a big job.” Livi are celebrating being back in the Premiership for the first time in 12 years. Thomson added: “I’ve got a great role at Rangers. I really enjoy it. My academy is going from strength to strength. Livi would be tough. But the fundamentals are there. It has always been a good club.” mistake, there’s a 90 per cent chance the other team will score.
“Ross handled it well. I know he made a couple of mistakes but he didn’t hide and hopefully it will make him better.
“As a midfielder he’s got the legs to get around, he’s good on the ball.
“I think he can get better on the ball as he has not shown the confidence in possession as he has come through.
“I’ve seen him play for the Under-20 side and he has strolled through games. Once he takes that into the first team, you’ll see he has two good feet and a good passing ability.
“Once that confidence to find range of pass comes it’s just a case of repeating it and doing it all of the time.
“You are not going to get better than Gerrard and McAllister for passing. Working with those two guys, as soon as they see his attributes in training, they’ll work on him.
“It depends on formation but if he’s playing with sitting midfielders, I’m sure Ross will be one of them.”
Malcolm also feels McCrorie will benefit from fresh talent around him.
He said: “There is a lot of expectation when the supporters think you are the best player.
“Obviously, you take on the brunt of it and that’s a lot to ask from a young kid when you are playing so many games. And Ross wasn’t getting much help from some of the other boys last season.
“Hopefully, the new management will sign better players and the team can get better.”
Craig Swan