Strife begins at 40 as Ibrox No1 tries to stem the tide

ASIGNIFICANT birthday on Monday and a monumental test of nerve and character two days later. Shipping three goals in Dingwall last weekend — with him badly culpable on two occasions — was a long way from how Allan McGregor anticipated blowing out 40 candles on his cake ahead the small matter of a trip to Celtic Park.

This was no occasion for more gifts to be handed out. The veteran had achieved enough to be deserving of the vote of confidence which his manager subsequently gave him.

But he didn’t need to be told that the microscope was on him more than ever last night. To prevent the doubts which now surround him growing further, he had to roll back the years.

This was the veteran’s 36th appearance in the famous fixture. A story told over two spells at Rangers featuring 15 victories, 14 defeats, six draws, nine clean sheets and many highs and lows.

With his contract expiring in the summer and Jon McLaughlin staying put, all the indications are that he is now very much on the home straight.

‘Time? There are games every five minutes, man,’ he said when asked if he was now looking back on his career. ‘There is no time to sleep never mind reflect on things.

‘So, no, not really. I think that will come after I retire, talking and telling stories or whatever it is.

‘But time to reflect? No. I need to concentrate on the next game.’

Giovanni van Bronckhorst threw no curve balls in his selection here. Aside from Calvin Bassey and Amad Diallo, all of his starters had experience of this unique challenge. But none boasted more than the veteran goalkeeper.

Yet, within five minutes, McGregor had another question mark against his name. Reo Hatate’s deflected shot from the edge of the box may have come through a forest of legs. The keeper may have been distracted by the clash of heads between Bassey and Joe Aribo that preceded it.

But the strike from the Japanese was still one McGregor ought to have got a fingertip to. It might be said that a few years back he would have.

With Celtic dominating the early exchanges, the keeper had to cast the early concession from his mind. He responded in some style. James Tavernier’s error gave Jota an unwarranted strike at goal. McGregor beat it into the air then bounced back to his feet to prevent Giorgos Giakoumakis converting from six yards.

Twice more in quick succession Celtic’s Greek striker discovered McGregor’s value to Rangers down the years as he produced further fine saves.

He was keeping the Ibrox men in this. Could this still be one of those nights?

By half-time we had the answer. Hatate curled a spectacular shot around Connor Goldson outwith the keeper’s reach. No blame attached this time.

The same applied two minutes later when Borna Barisic let Liel Abada run off him, the Israeli hammering home Hatate’s cross for the third.

Rangers were all over the place. Had it not been for McGregor, the half-time score might well have been five or six in the home side’s favour. Ally McCoist described the display as ‘appalling’.

Happy to soak up whatever Rangers could offer, Celtic’s chances dried up, though McGregor still had to look lively to prevent Matt O’Riley’s freekick dipping in at the far post.

Much can be read into Old Firm games. Often too much. But this still felt like a seismic result in the context of this title race.

For the first time this season, it is Rangers playing catch-up.