Rangers: Allan McGregor gets ‘special’ vote of confidence from Arthur Numan
Rangers had Allan McGregor to thank when they went to Anfield in the Champions League after he kept them in the game for long periods.
The 40-year-old had started the 2022-23 campaign as the club’s number two goalkeeper behind Jon McLaughlin but he failed to make his opportunity count and Giovanni van Bronckhorst quickly reverted to the veteran.
The 2-0 defeat at Anfield was a big improvement on the past two Champions League performances against Ajax and Napoli and they have the chance to turn the tables on home soil.
Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to Ibrox on Wednesday (12 October) for the rematch in match week four of the competition and Arthur Numan has backed McGregor to be a match-winner this time.
“We could see just how special a goalkeeper Allan McGregor is last week,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record. “His ability has never been in doubt but, at 40, he reminded us all.
“Allan was exceptional and produced four saves right out of the top drawer. We always have a chance in any game as long as he is between the sticks.”
Last season hurrah
McGregor’s future as a professional footballer was questioned over the summer, by himself as well as others, and while he chose to give it another year, it’s difficult to see him making that same decision this time around.
His form is very good at the moment and a clean sheet against St Mirren on Saturday (8 October) will have done him wonders to feel on top of the world against the Reds.
They themselves suffered another domestic defeat on Sunday (9 October) as Premier League leaders Arsenal turned them over 3-2 at The Emirates Stadium, exposing their defensive woes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was hauled off at half-time by the manager but if he does start again, then McGregor has to get his distribution over to his side of the pitch for Ryan Kent and Rabbi Matondo to run rings around him.
If this is the final season for the Ibrox icon, then victory against Liverpool would be the perfect retirement present for him to cherish.
In other Rangers news, this international ace only arrived at the club in the summer but he is already being touted for a return to his homeland.