Gerrard hails ‘phenomenal’ keeper and only wishes he was younger

STEVEN GERRARD reserved special praise for goalkeeper Allan McGregor after yesterday’s 1-0 win over Celtic.

The veteran goalkeeper produced the game’s stand-out moment with a stunning save to tip Leigh Griffiths’ first-half shot onto the post.

McGregor turns 39 later this month and, while Gerrard acknowledges he won’t go on forever, he retains his capacity to change and influence the biggest matches.

‘I was delighted with him,’ said Gerrard. ‘He got Man of the Match and it was thoroughly deserved. A couple of the saves in the first half were world class.

‘We talk about him a lot after big games, which tells its own story. You are talking about a legend of the club, a phenomenal goalkeeper.

‘It’s a shame he is nearly as old as me, because I’d love him to be my keeper for many more years.

‘I’m really proud of his performance today.’

Rangers’ recent performances against Celtic have been characterised by dominance of territory and possession but Gerrard admitted the tables were turned at the outset of yesterday’s match.

Neil Lennon’s decision to field a front two of Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard ahead of a midfield diamond handed Celtic the initiative.

‘We had to work extremely hard for our clean sheet,’ added Gerrard (below). ‘As soon as Celtic’s team sheet came through, it told d us what we were facing.

‘They have good players and were in a really aggressive formation. They came after us from the beginning and we kept playing into Celtic’s hands by turning the ball over and being sloppy in the wrong areas of the pitch. We were too passive e in the first half, so it was about getting them in at half-time alf-time and resetting that. We made a change with Ianis Hagi, who I thought was outstanding in the second half.

‘We were much better in the second half, even prior to the red card. Much more like ourselves.

‘We have beaten a good team today and that’s what it’s all about.’

Gerrard also backed winger Ryan Kent to rediscover his best form after his latest subdued performance.

The £7million buy from Liverpool has struggled for consistency since making his loan move from Liverpool permanent in the summer of 2019 but Gerrard insists he maintains real trust in the 24-year-old.

‘I spent big money on Ryan Kent because I ha have a lot of trust in him. He is a f fantastic talent.

‘I st still think he can improve in c certain areas and co continue to grow. But putting him back in the team today was a big show of trust and respect from me to Ryan.

‘I don’t think he was at his f fluent best today over the co course of the 90 minutes but he de definitely let Celtic know we carry pace and a threat. That’s what he brings to the team.

‘He started the season in red-hot form — he’s probably come away from that slightly. But it wouldn’t surprise me in the coming weeks if he got back to his best and that’s very important for us.’