Michael Beale has openly admitted that he wants to add quality to his squad but one area where he won’t be strengthening in January is between the sticks.
The Gers gaffer has fielded questions already about the number one jersey with Jon McLaughlin proving against Ross County that he can still be trusted when he is called upon and Allan McGregor the man in possession of the starting jersey despite a few questionable goals that have been conceded since the World Cup break.
Speaking a couple of weeks ago, Beale said:
“Won’t be strengthening the goalkeeper position next month. When the ball goes in the goal, everyone looks at the goalkeeper for a mistake.
“Allan McGregor has saved this club time and time again. He made a big save last week against Hibs that kept the score where we needed it, got us to half-time.
“No – no issue with Allan (McGregor). Jon McLaughlin at the start oft he season did very well. Made a mistake in a high profile game, but I trust him.”
Against Celtic, McGregor didn’t have much to do. He was unlucky with Daizen Maeda’s opener in that he got a big touch on it but it was the basics that continue to concern me. For some reason, he has started leaving low crosses rather than trying to claim them, choosing to dive parallel to block any potential attempts at goal. It’s a decision that is going to cost us eventually.
Frustratingly, there are good keepers out there that are available and not expensive either. Bodo/Glimt’s Nikita Haikin is now out of contract and available to move clubs immediately, then there is Australia’s World Cup keeper Matt Ryan.
For Yann Sommer to join Bayern Munich, Borussia Mönchengladbach must first sign a replacement – Mathew Ryan was offered to Die Fohlen & has a reported €500k release clause, per @Plettigoal. https://t.co/5f7iJ5sfdc
— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) January 2, 2023
The 30-year old has extensive European experience with Valencia, Arsenal, Brighton, Brugge and Copenhagen and, reportedly, has a £500,000 release clause. A low cost, low risk option who could well play for, at least, another five years at the top level.
Beale might trust his current keepers but, he has to be proactive. If he prefers McGregor to McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie then, surely, it means that he doesn’t trust the younger pair. Why else would you continue to pick an under performing 40-year old?
If midfield is the priority for January, goalkeeper is a very close second.
It worries me that Beale might actually believe what he is saying about McGregor but hopefully he`s just making the right noises until he has someone to replace him. McGregor is over the hill and harping back to past exploits doesn`t change that .If we don`t sign a new keeper I would like to see McCrorie get a run in the side now that the league is more or less done. Ryan is not what we need , not big and commanding enough and his poor performances in the W.C showed that he too is on the way down.