A new era has given Robby McCrorie a fresh start. The challenge remains the same for the Rangers keeper.

The journey from Auchenhowie prospect to Ibrox star is a difficult one for young players to compete at the best of times. For McCrorie, there are two considerable obstacles in his path.

The 19-year-old has yet to kick a ball in the Premiership for the Light Blues but his involvement with the first team this term has given him valuable experiences.

His road to a starting jersey is blocked by Wes Foderingham, who has been one of the Gers’ top performers this season, and understudy Jak Alnwick.

The arrival of Pedro Caixinha has seen the departure of Jim Stewart in recent days but McCrorie is determined to prove his former mentor’s faith in him was not misplaced.

He said: “I have really enjoyed the season and I feel that I have progressed a lot, especially in recent months. There is plenty for me to look forward to and I am confident that I can keep getting better.

“With the new manager coming in, it is a clean slate for everyone at the club and a new challenge for you to prove yourself.

“He will have his own ideas. For me and everyone else it is a new chance to prove ourselves.

“It is sad to see Jim go. He has been great for me personally and he has helped a lot of top class goalkeepers over the years.

“I wish him all the best in the future and I will keep in touch with him. Jim has played a massive part in getting me to where I am right now.

“He is still involved with the national team and he has helped the likes of Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon. He really passed on that experience to me and I’m grateful to him.”

While Caixinha puts his squad through their paces in Glasgow during the Premiership break, McCrorie and twin brother Ross have international matters to attend to.

The pair are part of Ricky Sbragia’s Under-19 side that will face Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary in the coming days in the European Championship Elite Round.

And the keeper is determined to continue moving in the right direction as he looks to make an impression at Ibrox in the coming weeks and months.

He said: “Playing for the national side means it is best versus best and it is a different competition from what I am used to in Scotland. It is good to see what level I am at.

“I was with the squad during the pre-season trip to Charleston and I have been training quite a bit with the first team this year. I have been involved on a match day as well and it has been good to get that experience.

“The standard with the first time is obviously higher and the intensity is good as well so it is a good challenge for me.

“It was good to work with Matt Gilks at the start of the season. He is an experienced keeper and I learned a lot from him.

“Wes and Jak are always there for me to speak to them. They have got a lot of first team experience and I feel that I can go and ask them anything to help me improve.

“I see every first team game and Wes has played really well this season and made some important saves.

“I watch him closely, his position during games and see how he makes big saves. He has had a really good season for us.”

*Rangers fans could scoop a stunning £25,000 Rangers Lotto prize at the start of April thanks to the Rangers Youth Development Company.

Tickets are on sale now – simply log on to www.rydc.co.uk for your chance to win.

Since 2002 RYDC profits have been directed to the Club’s youth programme – with more than £7million provided in the last 15 years.

They recently presented the Rangers Academy with a cheque for £175,000 and fans can continue to support the Rangers Youth Development Company in a variety of ways.

Full details on Rangers Lotto, Rising Stars, Scratchcards, Stadium Bricks and the new Youth Members Club can be found at www.rydc.co.uk.