McCrorie content to keep growing while McGregor rules at Rangers

Goalkeeper Robby McCrorie admits it’s “a nice challenge” to be working to replace Allan McGregor at Rangers and is happy for another loan spell while the veteran continues to impress at Ibrox.

McCrorie is in a second loan spell at Livingston and is back in the first team under manager David Martindale. His long-term plan is to return to Ibrox and stake a claim for the number one shirt but has been watching the current occupant enjoy a season to remember as McGregor has been on top form as Rangers have won the Premiership and gone on a thrilling European run.

McGregor is out of contract at the end of the season but considering his future with an offer on the table to continue at Rangers. McCrorie says there couldn’t be a better role model but knows the former Scotland international would be difficult to displace.

“I’m not sure [when he’ll call it a day],” he said. “I don’t think there’s any argument that he’s been one of the best goalkeepers that’s ever been at Rangers.

“What a season he has had. I don’t think there’s anyone better for me to learn from. If you want to learn how to get to the top then that’s your man to get advice from and you just watch how he plays. Some of his saves have been unbelievable.

“He doesn’t look like he’s slowing down. It’s a nice challenge, I suppose.”

McCrorie, who had loan spells at Berwick Rangers, Morton and Queen of the South before heading to the Tony Macaroni, says he would be happy to consider another loan spell next year as he continues to develop. The 23-year-old said he is in regular contact with Rangers goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart and loan manager Billy Kirkwood and is getting all the guidance and support he needs.

“I’m not sure [if this will be my last loan spell],” he said. “We’ve got six league games left here and hopefully a run in the cup. I don’t think I can look to far ahead in terms of the summer.

“The good thing is that we’re in the top six so we are playing against the top teams in the country and I can show what I can do.

“In the summer, it’s not really up to me what happens, that’s for the gaffer back at Rangers. No matter what happens, when I go back in pre-season I’ll try and do my best.

“I love playing football so I would probably be open to going out on loan again but we’ll just wait and see.

“There’s nothing else I would rather do than play games. I love playing football, I love trying to push myself every day. I want to try and be the best I can be. You set targets and it’s a case of hitting one target and then ‘What’s next?’. I can’t get enough of playing because you’ll always learn, no matter what age.

“You can see that with McGregor and the age he is at. You could argue he’s playing the best he ever has and the way you get that is by playing every week.”