How Ross McCrorie's newly-unveiled Portsmouth attacking tendencies will surprise Rangers fans

Now free from his problematic hamstring issues, Ross McCrorie is establishing himself as a flying right-back with Pompey.

The 21-year-old has bagged three assists in five appearances since restored to Kenny Jackett’s side following a spell on the sidelines consisting of a return to Rangers for treatment.

The Blues have ditched McCrorie's usual central midfield role in favour of employing him as right-back competition with James Bolton.

Equipped with a greater attacking instinct than his rival, the Scot has produced a string of high-energy performances down the right flank.

And McCrorie, who also features in the role for Scotland under-21s, is enjoying showing another side to his game.

He said: ‘As a central midfielder, I am seen as more defensive.

‘I’ve played as a defensive midfielder for Rangers for two seasons and given a good account of myself in Scotland. I can do a defensive side.

‘But I’m showing I can attack at right-back, even with Scotland I am seen as able to do a bit of both with my athleticism up and down, I can get up the pitch and get back.

‘I have three assists now for Pompey, I think I’ve done really well since I’ve been back and hopefully can kick on.

‘From right-back I like to push forward, when I play with Willo (Ryan Williams) you know both of us are going to cover each other when attacking.

‘Since I have been down here I've been given more freedom to go and show what I can do, the gaffer has told me to use my pace and go up and down the line.’

It's not Jackett who has identified McCrorie’s right-back ability – he is presently captaining Scotland under-21s from the position.

McCrorie added: ‘With Scotland, I haven’t got a right-back in my team, so I’ve been pushed into there and feel I’ve excelled as well.

‘Malky Mackay (Scottish FA’s performance director) and Scott Gemmill (under-21s head coach) are pushing me to play right-back, both have been encouraging me to be fair.

‘They have been pushing me to play there, we’ll see what happens.’