Allan almost got booted by Advocaat
The only argument about Allan McGregor at Ibrox these days is if he’s ahead of Andy Goram in the list of Rangers’ best keepers.
His stunning display to earn a 1-1 draw with Celtic last weekend was only the latest in a season-full of enormous performances.
But McGregor was almost binned by former manager Dick Advocaat before he’d even had a sniff of the first team.
Only the persistence of the late Alan Hodgkinson meant he stayed on to get his chance.
Former England No.1 Hodgkinson was coaching the young keepers at Ibrox during the Dutchman’s time in charge.
But McGregor broke his hand then injured his wrist and Advocaat wanted to boot him out.
Luckily, Hodgkinson won that argument – and the rest is history.
Ewan Chester, who worked as the club’s chief scout for 20 years, said: “Hodgy was key to Rangers keeping him on.
“Allan had suffered a few injuries on his fingers that were taking a long time to heal.
“Dick was getting impatient and would have let him go but Hodgy insisted that he had to stick with him because he would go on to be a star.
“Everyone connected with the club is glad that he got his way.”
Chester also claims that McGregor is a key reason Rangers managed to prevent Celtic landing 10-in-a-row.
He said: “Greegsy was man of the match again at Parkhead last weekend.
“He’s been pivotal in the last two Old Firm games.
“Celtic could easily have won both but he pulled off big saves at crucial times in each of them.
“That’s what defines great goalkeepers – they make the saves you don’t think they should be able to make. Goram was the same for Rangers.”
McGregor, 39, is out of contract in the summer and Chester insists he deserves a new one.
He said: “For me, McGregor is Scotland’s Player of the Year. It’s the biggest no- brainer in football to offer him a new contract.
“You hope that you can pull one more season like this one out of him.
“If he can get anywhere near the heights he’s hit this campaign then it would be worth it.
“My concern is whether we can get the same level of performance from him and the likes of Steven Davis and Scott Arf ield next season.
“Can Ryan Jack’s knee hold out? “Along with the likes of James Tavernier, those are the players who will be crucial.”