Clement explains Rangers loan exit stance on player in January after discussions take place

Robby McCrorie, the custodian, 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.

There have been rumours that McCrorie would go from Ibrox to become a first-choice goalkeeper somewhere else,

but Rangers manager Clement claims there was no chance of that occurring this winter and that the player and the

team had discussions about the situation before the midseason 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.