Livingston manager Gary Holt has said that the decision to sign Robby McCrorie was an easy one after Ryan Schofield suffered injury.
Schofield is out of action with a thigh complaint after making his debut in Saturday’s Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers. The keeper had been brought in after Aston Villa recalled Matija Sarkic, who had played the first half of the season.
McCrorie has now joined the club after Rangers withdrew him from a spell at Queen of the South to get Premiership experience. Holt says the 21-year-old could start against St Johnstone on Wednesday.
“We had word late Monday afternoon that Robbie was maybe an opportunity for us to explore,” Holt said.
“Ryan has felt his thigh after Saturday so it gives us an opportunity, someone who has been playing first-team football. We have liked what we have seen when we saw him play.
“You want to have a look at boys who have been playing, who have experienced the desires and hunger that it means something on a Saturday, that hurt when you lose and the euphoria when you win and have played well, plus experience in the game, in men’s football.
“He has had all that and wants to test himself at a higher level, and when it came up we sat as staff and had a chat about it and thought it was a no-brainer.
“We don’t know how long Ryan might be out so we don’t want to leave ourselves short.”
Rangers boss Gerrard had earlier acknowledged that the decision would be a blow to Queen of the South but explained that he had McCrorie’s development as his primary concern.
“There’s an opportunity for him to play in the Premiership,” Gerrard said.
“It’s a situation where we don’t really want to do what we have to do but we have to do it for the sake of the boy.
“It will be brilliant for his development to play in the Premiership.
“We really respect the job Queens have done and it’s not something we wanted to do by taking a keeper off someone.
“But when the kids gets the opportunity to play a league above, to better himself and the chance to play in the Premiership then it gives him a better chance of coming back here and playing for Rangers.
“For the kid it’s a no-brainer. Slightly awkward for us as we don’t want to let anyone down.
“Queen of the South probably thought they would have Robbie for the full year but we have to forget about that and think what’s best for the kid himself. It’s too good an opportunity to turn down.”
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