By Sam Stone

19th Jan, 2023 | 7:40am

Ally McCoist slams 'poor' Jon McLaughlin after what he did in Rangers win v Kilmarnock

Ally McCoist has slammed Jon McLaughlin after the Rangers goalkeeper failed to claim a routine free-kick in the Gers’ 3-2 win against Kilmarnock.

An Alfredo Morelos brace and a smart finish from Ryan Kent saw Michael Beale’s side complete another comeback victory to keep the pressure on Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

McLaughlin was recalled to the side and McCoist was less than impressed with the 35-year-old’s failure to claim a high ball in the first half.

“That’s poor defensively from Rangers. It’s the goalkeeper’s ball and he should be talking to them and he’s not,” said McCoist (Sky Sports commentary, 20:28pm, 18 January).

“You can see Goldson looking at Jon McLaughlin there and there’s no communication.”

Refresh

Although it turned out to be a relatively routine night for Rangers, McLaughlin’s performance didn’t fill anyone with much hope. The former Sunderland keeper was all at sea in the early stages and failed to command his box at all. For Killie’s first goal, he was stuck in no man’s land and didn’t provide much confidence for the back four in front of him.

Even in the dying embers of the game McLaughlin nearly gifted possession to Derek McInnes’ side in a dangerous area. Rangers desperately need a refresh in goal with Allan McGregor surely coming to the end of his playing career.

The Daily Mail reported (30 December) that Manchester City youngster James Trafford is a target for the Light Blues and it would not be a surprise to see Beale delve into the market for a new keeper in the summer transfer window.

A longer-term solution is required at Ibrox and despite McGregor and McLaughlin being good servants to the club, a change is now required.

In other Rangers news, here’s how Ibrox News rated the players during the 3-2 win at Rugby Park.