Rangers’ reconstruction under Steven Gerrard led to an array of new signings over the past couple of years. The restructuring improved the squad as a whole in terms of depth as well as quality but, at the same time, hindered the development of a few promising youngsters due to the lack of senior minutes.
Although the emergence of Ryan Jack relieved the gaffer while forming his midfield setup, the future of both Ross McCrorie and Greg Docherty is now uncertain despite them showing promises in limited game time. McCrorie has settled in as a right fullback since joining Portsmouth last summer on a season-long loan, but the lockdown has added more frustration to Docherty’s season due to the absence of football.
What Went Wrong For Docherty This Season
The 23-year-old barely featured under Gerrard before being loaned out to Hibernian on the winter deadline. There he earned a regular status immediately and featured six times in the Premiership along with a couple of Scottish Cup appearances prior to the suspension of the game.
The Scotsman, known for his ability to dictate the show from a deep-lying role, has recently opened up on ‘the waiting game’ while speaking to MailSport (as quoted by the Daily Record).
“After not getting any football at Rangers, I was finding myself again at Hibs and playing well. Then it all came to a shuddering halt with this virus. Instead of thinking negatively, I try to think of the positive impact that spell has had on me. It was a period well spent, albeit a short one, if it’s now going to end.”
Does He Have A Future At Rangers?
Docherty was impressive on loan last season at Shrewsbury Town and received accolades from the manager at the inception of the current campaign. He was supposed to be in the first-team plans following McCrorie’s exit, but the presence of Jack proved to be immense deep down the midfield. Therefore, a mid-season departure was sanctioned for the youngster to regain his confidence under Jack Ross.
McCrorie, meanwhile, has showcased his versatility at Fratton Park and is in a better position to get reintegrated in the senior setup. At this age, these youngsters should opt for minutes over accepting a sporadic role and Docherty; as a result, needs to guarantee his playing time wherever the future lies. He won’t be considered as the preferred choice as long as Jack is there at the club and the player, too, must understand the situation before his next move later this year.
