STEVEN GERRARD is confident a loan spell with Livingston can help Robby McCrorie challenge for an Ibrox berth in the future.

The keeper has cut short a stint at Queen of the South to join Gary Holt’s side and will be first choice for the Lions.

Rangers rejected an offer from Hibernian to sign McCrorie earlier this month, while Hearts were also interested in a move.

Gerrard said: “We really respect the job Queens have done and it’s not something we wanted to do by taking a keeper off someone.

“But when the kids gets the opportunity to play a league above, to better himself and the chance to play in the Premiership then it gives him a better chance of coming back here and playing for Rangers.

“For the kid it’s a no-brainer. Slightly awkward for us as we don’t want to let anyone down.

“Queen of the South probably thought they would have Robby for the full year but we have to forget about that and think what’s best for the kid himself. It’s too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I rate him very highly. If Robby keeps developing at the speed he is then I’ve got no doubt he can come back here and effect the two main positions here for the goalkeeping position.”