LIVINGSTON manager Gary Holt is adamant Rangers kid Robby McCrorie can follow the Liam Kelly path to stardom. 

McCrorie, 21, has agreed to join the Lions on loan for the remainder of the season after his successful stint with Queen of the South was cut short – and could make his debut against St Johnstone tonight.

It is well-trodden path for young goalkeepers, given Kelly helped Livingston win the League 1 title in the 2016/17 campaign after arriving on loan from Rangers. He then returned on a permanent basis in the summer of 2018 before thriving in the Premiership. 

Kelly’s displays saw him called up to the Scotland squad before landing a transfer to QPR last July – and Holt reckons that should be all the inspiration he needs. 

Holt said: “Liam Kelly came here initially, then went back [to Rangers], then came here permanently to have a right good go at the top-flight. The club did a lot of work with him, and he was willing to put the work in that we wanted – and look what he has achieved.”

McCrorie is answering an SOS from Holt after recent signing Ryan Schofield suffered a thigh injury in Livi’s 3-1 Scottish Cup triumph over Raith Rovers on Saturday.

Holt continued: “With Ryan pulling up with a thigh injury, the potential of this move came up on Monday and we were asked if we’d like to pursue it. 

“It was a no-brainer, given we’re not sure how long Ryan will be out. I’m a big admirer of Robby. He has always been on the radar.”