Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Al’s glove affair’s at the end?
Hearts v Rangers Today, 12.15pm
GIO VAN BRONCKHORST has told Allan Mcgregor to concentrate on Seville before coming to a decision on his Rangers retirement.
The Ibrox keeper turned 40 in January and is approaching the final week of his current Ibrox contract.
He admitted last month he was making a concerted effort to take more time to “savour” the big moments as the clock ticks down on his career, fuelling speculation the former Scotland No.1 is considering hanging up his gloves this summer.
Boss van Bronckhorst is well aware of the significance of next week’s do-or-die clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium for his players and Mcgregor in particular.
But he doesn’t want concerns over the keeper’s future to cloud Gers’ bid for their first European trophy in 50 years.
The Ibrox gaffer said: “I spoke to Allan about it this week. He missed the final in 2008 but he has another chance to play a final in Europe next week.
“I’m really happy about that because he is a very experienced player. You always need a good balance and mix between experienced players and talents. I think we have that at the moment.”
Van Bronckhorst is still sweating on the fitness of Kemar Roofe, with the striker facing a race against time to declare himself ready to face Frankfurt.
But if the Jamaica International misses out, his manager insists he can still play a major role in supporting the team alongside fellow casualties Alfredo Morelos, Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander.
He said: “Of course we have players who cannot play in the Europa League or players that are injured but, in the end, we are all together in the building.”