John Hartson: Allan McGregor ‘has let Rangers down on several occasions’
Celtic hero John Hartson has accused Allan McGregor of letting Rangers down on several occasions, and in particular in Europe.
McGregor was one the star performers for the Gers in their historic Europa League final run last season, before they fell at the final hurdle on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
But according to Hartson, who was speaking on Go Radio (10 January), there is one thing that the veteran goalkeeper has never done well and that has left him to blame for several goals that they have conceded over the years.
“It’s the one thing Allan McGregor doesn’t do particularly well,” he said.
“This is not a criticism of him in any way but McGregor has let Rangers down on several occasions coming for crosses.
“He’s almost been nailed to the floor in terms of his feet. He doesn’t come, he doesn’t make decisions when the ball is in his six yard box.
“Several times in Europe he’s cost Rangers goals. For a lot of those goals, you could blame McGregor for not making the decision.”
Harsh
No goalkeeper is perfect, but saying that McGregor has “let Rangers down” after such a successful career at Ibrox is a crazy thing to suggest.
Has he made mistakes in the past? Of course. But name me a player who hasn’t. That doesn’t mean he has let the club down, and we don’t think there are fans who would suggest that he has.
This season neither goalkeeper has been particularly outstanding, but McGregor has still been the better performer out of him and competitor Jon McLaughlin and that’s why he’s seen as the number one.
An upgrade in the position is needed for the new season, but by then McGregor will be 41 and his contract will be expired, so the timing seems right for everyone.
He will go down as a legend at Ibrox and will be remembered for the countless amazing saves and times he saved us on the pitch, not the odd occasion where he made an error like a normal human being.
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