McGregor ‘a top, top keeper’

Kris Boyd reckons Allan McGregor once again proved he is the man for the big occasion with his wonder save against Israel.

The Rangers goalkeeper produced a magnificent reflex save after 88 minutes to paw clear Tomer Hemed’s instinctive volley and ensure Scotland claimed a the 3-2 victory required to win their Uefa Nations League group.

It secures entry into the Euro 2020 playoffs and, following hot on the heels of a 4-0 triumph against Albania, further eased the pressure on boss Alex McLeish.

And Boyd insists it was no surprise to see his former Ibrox team-mate McGregor thrive under the pressure, drawing parallels with some of his displays during the Gers’ memorable run to the Uefa Cup final in 2008.

“Allan has been at big clubs, especially at Rangers, where he might not be asked to do an awful lot but he is always alert, on his toes and ready for something,” said Boyd. “He can handle the other side of that at Hull City, where he would have been a lot busier. He has got it all and is a winner.

“He comes for the ball, is commanding and organises. I think that is a really big thing when you have a few youngsters in front of you like (Scott) McKenna and (David) Bates. He is telling them where to go and using all of his experience.

“We can all remember his performance against Werder Bremen in the Uefa Cup (last-16, 2008). He has been fantastic and is always there to make those big saves. That is the mark of a top, top goalkeeper.”