Kris Boyd has added speculation to the Allan McGregor situation at Rangers, alluding that his old pal “probably wants more of it”.
Given that we are just over a week until Rangers return to Auchenhowie for the start of pre-season training, a significant announcement is coming regarding the goalkeeping situation at Ibrox.
If McGregor stays, it will be something of a unexpected turn but hardly a surprise given what we have heard since the Scottish Cup Final. His position within the squad would then need to be set out by the club.
On the other hand, if there is to be no extension for the 40-year old Rangers legend, it will truly be the end of an era and a goodbye for a player who has given so much to the cause.
We now await the outcome.
Kris Boyd was quizzed on this matter, when on duty for Sky Sports at Parkhead yesterday, to plug the SPFL Premiership fixture release for the new season.
🗣️"The way the season ended for him, he probably wants more of it…"
Kris Boyd's hoping Allan McGregor's Rangers future is decided soon as he anticipates another close title race with Celtic⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XJwJvWWk4b
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 17, 2022
On the race for the gloves, the Scottish Premier League top goalscorer stated:
“Jon McLaughlin has shown that he can step in. Whether he’s ready to go and play a full season for Rangers is a different story and remains to be seen if given the opportunity.”
“I would imagine if Allan McGregor doesn’t sign a new contract, then Rangers will bring in another goalkeeper. The question is are you bringing in a goalkeeper that’s going to be second choice to Jon McLaughlin or someone that’s going to be first choice? That’s the decision Rangers will have to make.”
“On Allan McGregor, I don’t know. I said a few months ago this would probably be his last season. But the way the season finished for him, he probably wants more of it.”
“Allan played the majority of the games last season and it’s very difficult to walk away from playing 40-odd games a season. The fitness levels are there and he’s shown that he can do it. He played in the Europa League Final, he won the Scottish Cup and pushed Celtic all the way in the league so he had a big part in the season.”
Risk
All of the above from Boyd is true, as is the fact that the veteran cost his team on a few occasions as Rangers chucked away the lead at the top of the table. Celtic took full advantage and never looked back. There was also the typical McGregor, particularly in Europe with his point blank saves and penalty stops.
That is the dilemma but at 40, he isn’t going to get any better or more consistent.
The warm and rapturous scenes at the end of the Scottish Cup Final appeared to signal the fitting end to McGregor’s Rangers career as he came onto the pitch for his cameo in the victory over Hearts. There was a warmth that was reciprocated between the supporters and a man whose service and efforts they greatly appreciate.
No-one would want a drop-off in form to result in things going sour in terms of that relationship, that is the risk with the more pressing priority being the impact on the pitch.
Would/could he stay to be number two? That doesn’t quite sit right for different reasons so ultimately a very big call is set to be made for the season ahead.