Portsmouth return for Rangers' Ross McCrorie unlikely despite Kenny Jackett's interest
Ross McCrorie won’t be returning to Pompey.
The News understands the versatile talent is keen to find himself a permanent home in Scotland following his season-long loan at Fratton Park.
Arriving from Rangers last summer, McCrorie made 23 appearances as the Blues’ League One promotion push fell short at Oxford in the play-off semi-finals.
The Scotland under-21 captain made a favourable impression on Kenny Jackett and his backroom staff, who converted him from a holding midfielder to a right-back midway through the campaign.
Jackett has been keen for McCrorie to return to the south coast on a temporary basis as he plots another promotion push.
As things stand, James Bolton is Pompey’s only current senior right-back option heading into the upcoming season, with Haji Mnoga, 18, serving as deputy.
However, McCrorie’s preference is to stay north of the border – either at Rangers or elsewhere if it means he’ll get regular minutes under his belt.
The 22-year-old has been down the pecking order since returning to Ibrox following his time at PO4.
He was left out of Steven Gerarrd’s match-day squad for the Gers’ 1-0 curtain-raiser victory at Aberdeen on Saturday.
Hibs manager Jack Ross tried to hijack McCrorie’s move to Pompey when in charge of Sunderland – although it proved futile.
Two other clubs are also understood to be admirers.