Philippe Clement explains Rangers loan stance on Robby McCrorie

Philippe Clement explains Rangers loan stance on Robby McCrorie in January after discussions take place

Robby McCrorie, the goalkeeper, has never been intended to leave Rangers on loan during the transfer window,

according to Philippe Clement.

The stellar play of summer acquisition Jack Butland has made it difficult for the 25-year-old to get playing time this season.

It has led to suggestions that McCrorie could leave Ibrox in order to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere but

Rangers boss Clement says there was no chance of that happening this winter and said

talks were held with the player over the

situation prior to the mid-season break.

In statements published on page 50 of the Daily Record’s print edition on Wednesday, January 24, Clement stated: “How can you put

a player on loan right now, with nine days to go, if you don’t have another keeper in?

Never was that the plan. Before the winter break, it was expressly discussed with Robby.

This really is a tough one, because on the one hand you have to have sympathy with the player who will be desperate to play and

establish himself as a number one, but at the same time understand the club’s stance too.

Being a goalkeeper is extremely difficult because only one can play, so it means someone has to warm

the bench and don the gloves for

more low-key fixtures as was the case when McCrorie featured against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup last time out.

McCrorie can no longer be a bench warmer, thus Rangers may have to make a different choice in the summer. However, it would be a

grave mistake to let him go now, either on loan or permanently, as the team needs a capable backup to Butland.

I adore Clement’s ability to make quick decisions in these kinds of circumstances. He made it apparent that he required McCrorie,

discussed the situation with the player, and believed that was resolved. In my opinion, it’s also a very wise choice.