CRAIG MULHOLLAND is confident a loan switch to Berwick will help keeper Robby McCrorie continue his progress through the ranks at Rangers.

The 19-year-old has agreed a switch to Shielfield Park for the first half of the campaign as he gets set for a shot at League Two this term.

McCrorie earned the gloves at Under-20 level last season as he made 33 appearances for Graeme Murty’s side in league and cup action.

He will still report to Auchenhowie to train with the Light Blues during the week before he turns out for the Wee Rangers in the fourth tier.

The Gers farmed out a number of their top young talents last season as the likes of Liam Kellly and Ryan Hardie got vital match minutes under their belts.

And Head of Academy Mulholland reckons the deal with John Coughlin’s side is the best move for McCrorie as he attempts to make his mark at Ibrox.

“We have player transition strategies in place for all Academy players trying to make the transition from the Academy to the first team,” he told rangers.co.uk

“Robby is in line with his projections based on Under-20s appearances, international appearances and now his first loan to play first team football is important.

“His strategy over the next two years will see Robby join a part-time club for his first loan as this crucially allows him to work with our first team on at least four days every week, which is a critical part of his development at this stage.

“We envisage that his second loan would be to a full-time club and over the course of two seasons he will achieve in excess of 60 first team games which will add to his preparation to hopefully achieve first team football at Rangers.

“We wish Robby and Berwick well and we are looking forward to monitoring his progress closely on a weekly basis.”