Gerrard disappointed by ‘phenomenal’ Rangers man v Hibs
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted that he felt the team’s goalkeeper Allan McGregor could have done better with Hibernian’s goal on Wednesday.
The veteran shot-stopper came out to try and claim a looping ball in the box, but failed to get it, allowing Paul Hanlon to convert into an open net.
The 38-year-old certainly could have done better with the strike, although Gers ultimately came from behind to win 2-1 anyway.
There will be those who feel he was fouled, but he had the use of his hands and he failed to catch the ball. That’s really the be all and end all of it.
That’s certainly how the Glasgow giants’ manager feels anyway, as he made clear after the game.
“We’ve obviously conceded a goal and I think Allan will be disappointed with it, he’s been phenomenal for me but I think when he watches that back he’ll probably say to himself: ‘Should I have come? Should I have stayed?’,” he said, as per the Daily Record.
“Which I’m sure he’ll discuss with Colin Stewart but once he does come he has to do better. But he’s saved us many, many times before so maybe we can excuse him from criticism.”
Is this fair from Gerrard?
Yes, it’s undoubtedly fair. He doesn’t say anything harsh here. He’s disappointed by McGregor’s mistake because he knows how good he is.
When you perform to the standard the Scot has throughout his time under Gerrard you’re obviously going to raise expectation levels.
When you fall below that it’s all the more noticeable, which is what has happened with McGregor on this occasion.
Having said that, he’ll know he made an error. He should have either stayed, or he should have come and commanded the situation and claimed the football.
In other Rangers news, Gerrard is reportedly set to make a 22-year-old a key part of his plans moving forward.