One last dance for McGregor on eve of 20 year anniversary of debut

Allan McGregor made his first-team debut for Rangers as a fresh-faced 20-year old on the 24th February 2002, it’s not insulting to Forfar Athletic to suggest that his next appearance will be against altogether more illustrious opposition.

Against Borussia Dortmund, it will be exactly 20 years since he first lined up in a Rangers shirt, an achievement made all the more remarkable by the injuries he has sustained in his career – bad backs and throwing yourself about the ground tend not to go to well together.

McGregor shares more than one trait with Gers legend Andy Goram and that, regardless of who your preference might be, either keeper’s name sits well in a greatest Rangers XI, both careers littered with stunning, game changing saves in Old Firm and European wins as well as a host of trophies.

After last season I thought that McGregor would have retired at the top, he had an outstanding season but, in Jon McLaughlin, there was a safe pair of hands to pass the mantle over to, I fear, as in the case of Goram, that it is going to be one year too many.

Because of his class, there will still be games that he is the difference maker but, we are starting to see, more and more, goals being conceded where there is an element of doubt.

We always accepted his weaknesses – distribution, coming for crosses – because he was exceptional, if not world class, in other areas but that is no longer the case.

I just hope that this Gers legend’s final farewell doesn’t go the same way as his predecessor’s.