RANGERS keeper Robby McCrorie has tipped Ibrox team mate Allan McGregor to play at the top for another few years after revealing he's learning from the veteran former Scotland star's incredible mental strength.
McCrorie helped Scotland Under 21s to a creditable goalless draw this week in the Czech Republic as Scot Gemmill's side reached the top of their group.
The 21-year-old has won plenty of plaudits this season on a loan spell with Queen of the South and still trains with the Ibrox club during the week.
And he's revealed how much he's picked up from 37-year-old McGregor, who appears to be as good as ever despite his advancing years.
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McCrorie said: "I’m in at Rangers training at the start of week so I’m still in touch and that’s important because that’s my club and where I want to be playing.
"The career Allan has had speaks for itself and I can learn a lot. He’s a top level goalkeeper. And you’ve got Wes Foderingham there too. He’s very good. I can learn a lot and take wee bits from everyone and try to add it to my game. But it’s important for me to be my own goalkeeper and to have my own path as well.
"I take a lot off Allan, even just the mental side. Mentally, he’s very strong. He looks after himself so I wouldn’t be surprised if you see him kick on for a couple of years because he doesn’t look to be slowing down.
"His advice to me has been don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows. Even if you win a game, say you win an Old Firm, get a last minute winner, you need to prepare for the next game.
"That’s important being a goalkeeper because you can have times when you’re quiet in a game, then you get called upon.
"For me, it’s good at Queen of the South. I’m playing games every week. I’m trying to push to get to the highest level and I need to prove myself. I’m enjoying it and I’ve got a lot of games coming up to look forward to.
"It’s Dundee United on Saturday. It’ll be tough, they’re top of the league and scoring a lot of goals. But we’re confident. We’re a solid enough team and we can cause problems going forwards especially.
"The Championship is that tight and it was a nice win at Partick Thistle before the international break."
McCrorie continues to battle it out with Celtic keeper Ross Doohan - who is on loan at Ayr United - for the Under 21s spot, with Gemmill rotating in each game so far.
But McCrorie insists he is relishing the challenge with his Old Firm rival.
He said: "We’re young keepers and we’ve got a good relationship. We do push each other a lot. Fraser Stewart, the goalie coach gives us a lot of feedback.
"In terms of the games, Ross and I have played two games each so we’re both getting game time. When you get your chance you do your best for the team. We did the rotation at the Toulon Tournament too so it’s nothing new. Everyone is doing the best for the team and we back each other.
"Everyone is in it together and I think that’s clear on the pitch with the way people are playing.
"We are top of the group, but arguably we could have still had more points, but it was important to get a good start. We play Greece next month though and thst will be tough.
"Credit to Peter Houston, Fraser Stewart, Malky Mackay and especially Scot Gemmill. He really drills it in analysis and tactics wise as well as training for us to be solid in games and to make it hard for teams to play against us. We try to deliver it."
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