BILLY KIRKWOOD has backed Under-17 star Ross McCrorie to force his way into the Rangers first-team squad next season.

The Ibrox kid was a standout performer for the Light Blues as they lost 2-0 against Celtic in the Glasgow Cup final at Hampden on Tuesday.

And boss Kirkwood has tipped the defender for a bright future at Ibrox as he bids to make his breakthrough.

He said: "In my opinion, he was man of the match. He has been exceptional in the 20s, he is going away with Scotland and the Under-17s.

"At the start of next year, if things go well for Rangers and they are back in the Premiership, then I would look to see Ross knocking on the first-team door.

"He can play right-back, left centre-half, left-back, and he has got a fantastic attitude. Hopefully he is one to get into the top team."

While McCrorie shone on the big stage at the National Stadium, it was to prove a disappointing night for brother Robby.

The goalkeeper was at fault for both of Celtic's goals, but Kirkwood is confident coach Jim Stewart can get the Murray Park shot-stopper back on track.

He said: "He has got the best goalkeeping coach to advise him and give him a cuddle. That is just the life of a goalkeeper. Robby will realise that, in his career, it will not be the last time he will make a mistake.

"He had a good game up until that time. A defender can make a mistake, but if a goalkeeper makes a mistake ...

"The second one is maybe a bit harsh because it took a nick off the defender and a bad bounce in front of him. That is the kind of thing that happens in football."