Ross McCrorie completed his first 90 minutes for Portsmouth in an explosive 3-3 draw with nine-man Coventry on Tuesday evening.
The Rangers loanee finally got a full game under his belt after his stint in the south of England got off to then worst start with a red card on his debut against Shrewsbury.
Steven Gerrard sent the Scotland Under 21 skipper out to get valuable game time with spots in the holding midfield role at Rangers at a premium.
But whether the Ibrox boss will have been pleased with McCrorie's positional change at Pompey is anyone's guess.
The 21-year-old lined up at right-back for the League One clash, replacing the injured Anton Walkes, a year after Gerrard slated his predecessors for risking the youngster's development by playing him defence.
Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett had hinted at converting McCrorie ahead of the match after being impressed with the Scot who made a substitute's appearance in that position in the defeat to Sunderland at the weeeknd.
However Gerrard has big hopes for the player in his old position in the middle of the park.
And, speaking passionately about McCrorie last season, Gerrard took a swipe at predecessor Pedro Caixinha for playing the youngster in defence and "risking scarring" him.
“If you toss them into huge Old Firm derbies out of position, there is a risk you can damage people and scar them," said the Ibrox boss.
“Thankfully he is a very tough kid and he bounces back. He is desperate to play for this club and he loves the club. I believe the club have a gem if he is coached and given the right guidance.”
Gerrard will no doubt have raised an eyebrow at Pompey's team sheet last night then with McCrorie lining up on the right side of a back four.
Jackett's side conceded an early goal but led 3-1 with Coventry down to 10 men in the closing stages thanks to goals from Ronan Curtis, John Marquis and Gareth Evans.
Yet, a 75th-minute penalty got the visitor’s back into it before Coventry were then reduced to nine men when Gervane Kastaneer was sent off - only for then Sky Blues to level four minutes from time through Michael Rose.
Billy Kirkwood is charged with keeping an eye on developments on the players farmed out from Ibrox with McCrorie one of eight players currently on loan.
The youngster made 30 appearances for Rangers last season, establishing himself as a hard tackling midfielder providing cover in front of the backline.
McCrorie will spend the season on loan at Pompey although Rangers can recall him in January if they so wish.
Whether he returns to his more accustomed midfield berth before then remains to be seen.
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