Livvy loan can lift McCrorie’s cap hopes

ROBBY McCRORIE is aiming to force his way into the Scotland squad after returning to Livingston for a second loan spell. The 22-year-old goalkeeper last week signed a new contract at Rangers until 2023 and will now continue his development with first-team football at Almondvale. The Ibrox club hold a January recall option in the season-long loan agreement. McCrorie impressed during eight appearances for Gary Holt’s men before coronavirus halted last season, following a successful earlier spell with Queen of the South. The Ayrshire-born player has already been capped at Under-21 level and hopes producing good form in the Premiership could catch Steve Clarke’s eye. ‘I’m happy to be back,’ said McCrorie (right). ‘I enjoyed my time here a few months ago and I’m just looking forward to getting started again. ‘When everything stopped I had played eight games and I was just getting a feel for things. We had a lot of big games coming up with the split and I enjoy testing myself in those big games. ‘So for that to come to a halt so quickly was disappointing. ‘But I was in a good place. I knew that there were a lot of talks going on during the break about coming back here. ‘Now it’s done, I’m looking forward to the season. ‘Hopefully Livingston can be successful and I can be as well. ‘I just want to be consistent every week, establish myself as a top goalkeeper in this league — and I want to make a push for the national team as well. ‘I’m in the Premiership and, if I am doing the right things week in, week out, hopefully that can also come.’ When Rangers signed Jon McLaughlin this summer, manager Steven Gerrard said one reason they opted for the experienced 32-year-old was to ensure that McCrorie’s long-term pathway was not blocked. The Ibrox club are keen for him to reach 100 competitive appearances as soon as possible through loan moves, providing a platform for him to be considered as Allan McGregor’s successor.