Cammy Bell weighs in on Rangers first-choice goalkeeper debate
Former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell believes that Allan McGregor should not quit and continue to be a part of the squad in the next campaign.
The number one shirt is up for grabs at the Ibrox stadium where Jon McLaughlin is the clear favourite with McGregor’s contract already ended and no suggestions a new deal is imminent.
However, Bell, while talking to Daily Record, suggested McLaughlin will be the number one but also highlighted the “massive” battle on the cards should McGregor stay on.
“Jon has all the qualities to be a top keeper for Rangers,” he said. “He has shown that already in big games and especially the Scottish Cup run.
“He has everything to be a Rangers keeper. Maybe he just needs a run of 20-30 games consistently and then we could see how he reacts to the pressure of doing it week in, week out.
“It’s a real make-or-break summer for him and he’ll be going into pre-season thinking ‘this is my chance’.
“Of course, if Greegsy decides to stay on then I can’t imagine he’d settle for being a No.2 so Jon would face another massive battle for the gloves. But he definitely deserves the chance.”
Battle for number one
Arguably the hardest position to find in football is the second choice as a goalkeeper. If you are second-choice in that department, it is likely that you are going to be on the bench in most of the games.
Therefore, it is a massive decision for Giovanni van Bronckhorst going into the new season. If we look at the commitment and speculations in recent times, there is no doubt that McLaughlin takes the slot.
In the recently concluded season with the Scottish League runner-ups, the 34-year-old played six games and kept two clean sheets [Transfermarkt].
In the recently concluded Europa League, the Scotland international made only one appearance, enjoying the sweeper role with a pass completion rate of 92.6% [Whoscored].
After winning the Scottish League and finishing runners-up in the Europa League in consecutive seasons, it is important for the Gers to keep the momentum going.
As their season starts early with Champions League qualification, it is important that they got all of their positions sorted, mainly being the goalkeeper.
In other Rangers news, “misinformation” has been dismissed and the situation involving the club and a highly sought-after striking option has been set straight.