Gerrard: Allan’s wonder save no surprise to me – he’s been doing it all season for Gers

MICHAEL GANNON

STEVEN GERRARD wasn’t surprised to see Allan McGregor shine for Scotland as the shot-stopper is already the golden boy around Ibrox.

Greegs produced a breathtaking late save against Israel the other night to seal top spot in the Nations League and bag a play-off place for Euro 2020.

Gerrard watched in awe at the stop but not in shock. It took the Gers boss a nanosecond to rubber stamp the goalie’s signing in the summer and the move could not have worked out better.

McGregor isn’t just a top-class keeper but a key member of the dressing room at Ibrox – as well as a crucial link to the club’s glittering past.

The No.1 will be 38 when his contact is up at the end of next season but his gaffer is convinced he can continue to be a star man for years to come.

Gerrard said: “Allan helps me from a manager’s point of view in terms of standards because he’s been at this club when standards were high, expectations were high, and he pushes people in the dressing room. He’s professional, m.gannon@dailyrecord.co.uk is in great shape, believes in everything we’re doing and a lot of the young lads look to Allan and Scott Arfield as well.

“They are almost managing the dressing room. They’re a big help to the staff. We’re a young squad, inexperienced in terms of being in this position. A lot of players who came in here were brought in new and haven’t been playing regular football or through the schedule we’ve been through.

“So to have Allan and Scott – the older lads in that dressing room – is gold dust for me.

“Their little one-liners and behaviour will be a big influence on the majority of that dressing room so Allan has a very important part to play over the next four and a half weeks but also beyond that until the end of the season.

“But if he keeps doing what he’s doing, there’s no reason why he can’t carry on past this present contract.”

McGregor’s save against the Israelis shared top billing with the James Forrest hat-trick and Gerrard insisted it only reinforced his view his keeper is the best in