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Plenty of eyebrows were raised in the summer when Rangers boss Steven Gerrard decided to let Ross McCrorie leave Ibrox on loan, with the midfielder joining Portsmouth for the campaign.
McCrorie has made 55 appearances for the Gers first-team. And while he is still developing, the 21-year-old produced some big performances for the Light Blues – so it definitely caught some off-guard when he was loaned out to the League One side.
But Gerrard’s decision has been vindicated in the early weeks of the campaign. McCrorie is playing regularly for Pompey and Rangers have generally been excellent in the middle of the park.
Nevertheless, the academy graduate could now have a golden opportunity to prove a point to the Rangers boss before the end of the month. That chance has come about after Portsmouth were drawn against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The rivalry makes the clash one of the most exciting of the third round. And it is a brilliant chance for McCrorie to make a real impression.
Ralph Hasenhuttl put out a strong team in the previous round. And given the opposition, he will surely pick a similar side when the Saints travel to Fratton Park.
McCrorie facing £15m attacker battle?
Whether he is playing at right-back or central midfield, McCrorie looks to be in for a tough night. He could be battling against the likes of Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings or £15 million summer signing Moussa Djenepo ().
McCrorie will not be written off if he struggles against the Saints. But it could make a massive statement if he does impress against a Premier League side. They have a number of exciting attacking players, and may be targeting success in this competition.
It will further prove that McCrorie can step up on the big occasion. His long-term future will surely be at Ibrox no matter how this year goes.
But perhaps, it is nights like the one against Southampton that will help Gerrard decide exactly when McCrorie becomes a key man for Rangers upon his return.