Rangers are once again likely to end up trophyless unless they manage some miracle in the Europa League. The Bears looked like they were up for the title charge before the winter break, but they have struggled since the turn of the year.
Some defensive errors at the back and their inability to open up defences have cost the Gers. One player who has come under the firing line is club captain James Tavernier. His recent comment (Daily Record) where he indicated that the club lacks the mentality to overcome tough situations didn’t go down well. On the back of that, he made an error which led to a defeat against Hamilton recently.
Tavernier was always a disaster waiting to happen on the defensive front. His attacking numbers and the way Rangers dominate most of their games hid his flaws. However, now it is clear that the Bears might need more competition or even an upgrade at right-back.
Why this on loan player can be a solution for Gerrard?
Young Nathan Patterson has managed to make his debut this season, but it would be too soon for him to fill in Tavernier’s shoes. Jon Flanagan has also not covered himself in glory with some of his performances. The former Liverpool fullback has even struggled to get in the matchday squads recently.
Hence, many might feel that Rangers will have to dive in the transfer market to solve the right-back issue. However, there is one Rangers player who can solve that problem, and that is Ross McCrorie.
McCrorie on playing at right-back
The Scottish midfielder is currently on loan with Portsmouth. However, he has managed to establish himself at Fratton Park as a right back. McCrorie recently said (The News), “As a central midfielder, I am seen as more defensive. But I’m showing I can attack at right-back, even with Scotland (u-21) I am seen as able to do a bit of both with my athleticism up and down, I can get up the pitch and get back. I have three assists now for Pompey; I think I’ve done really well since I’ve been back and hopefully can kick on.”
McCrorie had impressed for Rangers last season as a defensive midfielder. His energy, pressing, work rate and defensive awareness stood out, and he put in some influential displays even in the Old Firm derbies. Kenny Jackett has predominantly used him as a right-back this season, and the 21-year-old Scotsman has responded well to the new challenge.
Hence, we think that McCrorie might offer Gerrard some kind of solution at right back in the upcoming season once his loan spell with the English club expires. It remains to be seen though whether he would be able able to provide proper attacking threat as a fullback or not.
