Kenny Jackett makes admission about Rangers loanee Ross McCrorie

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Kenny Jackett has admitted that Rangers youngster Ross McCrorie has had an up and down loan spell at Portsmouth so far, in comments reported by The News.

A lot of the Ibrox faithful were incredibly surprised when it was announced during the summer that McCrorie had been given the green light to leave the Gers on loan.

He had played an important role during Steven Gerrard’s first season in Scotland. But his move was designed to give the 21-year-old the platform to play regularly – just as Greg Docherty did last year during his own spell in League One.

There have definitely been some high points for McCrorie. But he was sent off on his debut and has struggled to stamp his authority on a place in the team.

Jackett suggested that McCrorie is in contention to come into the team against Southampton on Tuesday night, but conceded that the Rangers man has not had the easiest time since arriving at Fratton Park.

“Ross McCrorie is someone who could come in,” he told The News. “He is definitely (a player you want for a derby).

“He’s had quite an up and down time for us so far, but he’ll settle down, get in and be a good player for us, definitely. It’s maybe just a case of him getting used to things with us.”

There could be no better way for McCrorie to turn his loan around than to shine against Southampton. Given their stature and the rivalry between the two clubs, there is an opportunity for someone to make themselves a hero to the Pompey fans.

McCrorie has previously shone in Old Firm games. So he will have little problem dealing with the occasion. And Rangers fans may well be optimistic that he will show that he has the quality to make Tuesday’s tie the turning point that he seemingly needs.