Former Ibrox goalkeeper Andy Goram believes Allan McGregor’s value to Steven Gerrard’s side is more than just what he does on match day.
The 37-year-old, out of contract at the end of this season, is capable of playing at Rangers “for another two or three years” but his true worth this term as Rangers try to force a title challenge will come with his experience of being over the course before.
McGregor has three league medals, three Scottish Cup medals and five League Cup medals from his first stint at Rangers, with that track record crucial as Rangers seek to end their longest winning run without winning major silverware.
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“It is good because there are guys there who haven’t really been over the course before,” said Goram.
“They are playing in their first Old Firm games and so you need people like Allan to get them going. If you need motivated at Rangers you are at the wrong club, but his experience is important.
“Allan cares. When you get to Ibrox you realise you need to be a completely different animal to play for the Old Firm. It is a different club from any other one in the world, so you need to be a different animal to go and perform and play well.
“It is alright turning up and putting the jersey on but it is a big badge to wear. To go and play well every week – that is what separates the great from the good.”
And Goram fully expects a decision on McGregor’s long-term future will be made by the Ibrox side before too long.
“The way he is playing he could play for another two or three years no bother,” said the former Scotland internationalist.
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It must be great for Gerrard to look at McGregor and know he can give him another few years and he is a top-class international goalkeeper. It means you don’t have to worry about that position.
“He is fit. He has looked after himself. We were fit but it is a totally different game now. The drinking culture is away and they look
after themselves much better than we ever did.”
McGregor kept a clean sheet on Sunday afternoon as Rangers moved two points clear at the top of the league following their 5-0 win over Hamilton Accies.
And, while McGregor’s temperament has got the better of him on occasion – last season an off-the-ball kick at Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer ought to have been penalised with a red card while a moment of madness at Ibrox against Hibs saw him banned for the finale to the season with McGregor missing out on a win over Celtic at Ibrox – Goram insists the keeper has more than proved himself.
“He is one of those guys who has his daft moments,” he said. “Last season he could have got sent off three or four times but he is a passionate boy about what he does. He is as good as anything I have seen.
“It is plain to everyone to see the impact he has had.
“Certainly, without him this season I think Rangers would be struggling. He is making saves at vital times.”
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