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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Mark McDougall

Gary McAllister makes Robby McCrorie 'belongs' claim as Rangers assistant shares pride at club togetherness

Gary McAllister has revealed a delighted Steven Gerrard was straight on the phone to congratulate his squad on their win over Celtic.

And the Rangers assistant insists Robby McCrorie has proven he 'belongs' at the club with a sensational performance between the sticks.

The 23-year-old was making just his second Rangers appearance but kept a clean sheet and made two massive saves from Kyogo Furuhashi in the second half.

The Japanese frontman couldn't find a way past McCrorie and was probably unlucky not to get man of the match, although Leon Balogun's award can't be argued with too much.

Both players wouldn't have expected to play in the positions they did a week ago but they both showed their qualities throughout the game.

And McAllister insists the whole club came together with players playing through injuries for the cause at Ibrox.

He said: "Fantastically pleasing. It’s been a very strange three or four days.

"There were players playing with injuries today, no idea who was available right up until this morning with Covid and close contact protocols.

"You seen a club coming together today and wow, the fans were outstanding.

"From one through to 11 we were outstanding but if I had to pick one then Leon Balogun was superb.

"He dealt with his side of the pitch very well and joined in when he could. His defensive display is why we brought him here.

"He’s capable of playing in two or three different positions and I thought he stood out today.

"It was a proper man’s performance."

McCrorie made two wonderful saves in the second half and looked a real presence between the posts.

And McAllister was thrilled with his showing and believes he's truly ready to be a Rangers goalkeeper now.

He added: "I’ve spoke about Robby within the club, we’ve seen a big change in this young man. We’ve seen a maturity around his demeanour in the training ground.

"He’s more talkative and joining in, I think he feels he belongs now.

"Last season getting to Livingston was so valuable for him and he’s growing and growing. He looks an impressive figure when you see him in the goal.

"A lot has been thrown at us in the last two or three games. I thought we were more recognisable today and it was a massive boost for our confidence.

"When everyone comes together like that the players must have enjoyed it today.

"He’s (Steven Gerrard) very very happy.

"We’ve spoke to him prior to the game, we had some feedback from the guys he was in contact with and we’ve just spoken to him there and he’s delighted.

"We’ve now produced a performance where out of possession and in possession we looked like us."

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