Put the darts away. The McCrorie twins are in town and they both mean business
Robby McCrorie knows from painful experience just how competitive his twin brother – and new Aberdeen signing – Ross, can be.
While today’s clash at the Tony Macaroni Arena is set to be the pair’s first professional tussle, the Livingston keeper knows that sibling rivalry is certainly not a new concept to either man.
“My brother and I are very competitive and, regardless of playing against each other, we want the best for the team we are playing for,” he said.
“Our relationship will be getting brushed aside. I’ll be trying to do what’s best for Livingston, and he’ll be the same for Aberdeen.
“I think that competitive edge between us is something that drove us on – trying to do well, making our family proud and really challenging each other.
“We both feel like we are good enough to go to a good level, and that drive we both have is a big part of getting to where you want to be.
“There was a wee bit of fighting growing up, even with simple games.
“We would just get angry if we got beat and, if the other one winds you up, then you end up going for each other!
“That’s brothers for you, and it was how it was for us.
“When we were younger, it would be FIFA on the Xbox.
“We had a dartboard in the room as well, so you’d end up with darts going everywhere!
“We both just love winning and hate losing – so we took that out on each other.
“However, when it comes to football, we have always been in the same team, so this will be a bit different.
“We played in the same boys’ club, we both joined Rangers very young, and we have been in the national team together.
“This is a first, and our mum and dad will be on the fence!”
The twins are close, and Robby is quick to refute a reading of his big brother’s move to Pittodrie from Rangers – initially on a season’s loan that will then become a permanent deal – as an indicator of failure.
“People forget that we have only just turned 22, and Ross has played more than
50 games for Rangers,” said Robby, who’s 12 minutes younger than Ross.
“There are not many players at his age who can say that. It would perhaps be different if he hadn’t done that.
“But he effectively established himself at one point, and has accepted that it probably won’t happen at Ibrox now.
“I think the gaffer at Rangers and the coaching staff maybe wanted him to stay. But Ross made it clear he wanted to be out and playing regularly.
“They understood he is hungry and has a career ahead of him, so the decision was made that he could go.
“I’m happy that Ross has got his move, and he will get the opportunity to play every week because he’s a top player – and
I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.
“He’ll do well at Aberdeen, who have a good manager in Derek McInnes
“Everyone needs to understand his decision. He just wants to be playing every week.
“The easiest thing to do when you are young – especially at a big club like Rangers – is to stay there and say, ‘Oh, I’m a Rangers player’.
“But Ross has realised he wants to go and play games. It’s the best thing for his career, and Rangers have recognised that too. ”
Robby is on a different type of loan from the Light Blues, with the target progression towards a first-team place at Ibrox.
He gave way to Max Stryjek in last
Sunday’s goal-less draw as he was barred for playing against his parent club
“I am here to help give myself the best Rangers career I can have. That has always been my dream,” he said.
“From my first loan at Berwick Rangers, and now at Livingston, it has been a stepping stone to try to get there.
“You can’t look too far ahead, so just now I just need to try to do my best at Livingston.
“As much as I would like it to happen now, you need to be patient.
“I realise I need to keep building a profile.
“In the future, well, I am never going to turn something like that down.”