Graeme Hanna

Tue 4 April 2023 9:10, UK

Allan McGregor is facing an “uncertain” future at Rangers as his contract approaches the final months, according to Sky Sports.

McGregor, 41, is the current first-choice stopper for Michael Beale but he is one of several key first-team figures whose contracts expire at the end of the season. In the coming weeks, the club will confirm which players have agreed on fresh terms as well as those who will be moving on.

Due to McGregor’s age and status, his situation is much different to the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos but speculation continues in the absence of certainty and clarity regarding all of the players in the final stages of their current terms at Ibrox.

Beale has been linked to other goalkeepers with the expectation that at least one new option will arrive in Glasgow in the next transfer window.

Prior to the Dundee United game, he also mentioned that Robby McCrorie would receive game time in order to make his case. The Auchenhowie youth product has had a frustrating time with injuries during Beale’s reign so far but is said to be close to a return whilst McGregor’s main understudy Jon McLaughlin has suffered from unconvincing form when he has played. He is another whose future is far from guaranteed.

In terms of potential new goalkeepers to arrive in G51, new Scotland cap Angus Gunn has been linked (Football Insider), as one of three to four options that the club has in mind, (Daily Record).

Will McGregor opt to continue? That is the big question, but for now he is only contemplating the run of games ahead, as told to Sky Sports: “I need to focus on the games, let the season finish and make my decision then.

“That’s exactly what I did last year. I’ll concentrate until the end of the season and see what happens then. I’ll consider if I think my body can handle it, consider if I’ll be good enough to perform at the highest level for me.”

Time for change

McGregor’s status as a Rangers legend is secure. Between now and the end of the season, he will notch up more than his current tally of 500 appearances for the club over two spells.

In addition to that, he was recently honoured by the club with his induction into the Rangers Hall of Fame and has been awarded a testimonial game against Newcastle United in July to mark his service to the club.

McGregor has been very good for Rangers in recent seasons but he is now past his best, that is clear. Any new contract would take him beyond his 42nd birthday but regardless of age, a new, better, more consistent number one is required.

This summer is the time for that change to happen.

Ross Wilson and his team will need to work very closely with Beale to bring a new number one to the club who fits his style perfectly, you cannot afford to get this one wrong.

In other Rangers news, Borna Barisic shares what type of club he would try to join if he leaves Ibrox.