Allan McGregor worthy of new Rangers deal – former mentor Billy Thomson
Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor came under fire after the 3-3 draw at Ross County but redeemed himself in the Old Firm days later.
Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst publicly backed the 40-year-old before the trip to Parkhead and he repaid the Dutchman with a string of fine saves.
McGregor’s former mentor at Ibrox, Billy Thomson, believes the Scottish international is fully deserving of a new deal at the club if he wants it and even compared him to club icon Stefan Klos.
“I’m very proud of Allan. I was lucky to work with him during his early years, but he’s had a lot of good people coach and influence him,” Thomson said in an interview with The Scottish Sun.
“When I think back, I feel Stefan Klos was such a massive influence on Allan.
“Stefan was a brilliant goalkeeper, incredibly dedicated and motivated. A superb professional, an absolute winner.
“I think Greegsy watched him closely every day and was inspired by him. I loved working with them both daily because their attitudes were spot on.
“Now I’m certain Allan will be the same for today’s keepers at Rangers as Klos was at Ibrox back in the day.
“As far as I’m concerned, Greegsy’s definitely worth a new deal. Giovanni van Bronckhorst is still assessing everyone.
“But there’s no question marks from me over it — Allan is still as good a goalkeeper as there is out there.
“I realise, though, it will also come down to how he feels. He’s got nothing to prove to anyone.”
A fine wine
Being a goalkeeper often does ead to a longer career at the very top of the game and that is certainly ringing true for McGregor right now.
Yes, he had a poor day at Dingwall against Ross County but he kept the scoreline respectable in the Old Firm as the outfield players were torn apart by Celtic.
There is a serious debate as to whether van Bronckhorst can get any better than him for next season to be the number one and that isn’t taking into consideration off-field factors.
The 40-year-old has experience way beyond anyone else within the playing staff at the club and it would be almost foolish to let that go if they don’t have a guaranteed replacement ready.
This coming transfer window is probably the time they need to look for his replacement but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t get a new deal.
He still has a lot to offer both on the pitch and in training and should be considered among the most important assets the club has.
In other Rangers news, this star might be tempted away from Ibrox with a £10million transfer being rumoured.