Frankie 8,529 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 (edited) As Scotland's number one goalkeeper again helped deliver a crucial three points in Rangers' quest for a third SPL in a row, I turned to my mates and remarked just how important the lad is to our club. Surely the outstanding candidate for our player of the year this season? McGregor's time at Rangers has been a fascinating one for a 'keeper that is still a year short of his 30th birthday - a milestone that usually sees goalies mature on the field with their advancing years. Just over 9 years since he made his competitive d�©but for the club as an enforced sub for Stefan Klos in a League Cup tie away to Forfar, the Scotsman has been on a roller-coaster of a career so far. Considered surplus to requirements by both Dick Advocaat and Alex McLeish, McGregor was one Murray Park product that seemed to be destined for mediocrity in the early part of this century. Respective loans to St Johnstone (04/05) and Dunfermline (05/06) suggested he was going to be just another promising youngster without a future at Ibrox. The arrival of Paul Le Guen (and to a lesser extent Lionel Letizi) changed that. While both of these Frenchmen had had impressive careers before arriving at Rangers, both struggled on arrival in Glasgow but if Le Guen can lay claim to one positive upon leaving 'by mutual consent' he can point to installing McGregor as the club's number 1 goalkeeper - even if Letizi's poor form and injury contributed to this decision. McGregor went on to be voted the club's Players' Player of the Year for that season (2006/07). Since then he appeared to take confidence in his own ability and has improved year on year also making his Scotland international d�©but that season. A genuine natural shot-stopper it says a lot for him that he can keep guys like Neil Alexander and Craig Gordon behind him. Unfortunately, with this rise to prominence the lad has had his fair share of controversy. From being made a joint scapegoat for a Scotland team 'bonding' session to stormy personal relationships that seem him on the front pages as much as the back, McGregor's well known nickname and chant are certainly apt. Conversely crude songs about erroneous assault charges are less funny and it is to the lad's credit that he's never reacted to them - unlike other players and managers who do use such excuses for poor behaviour. Fortunately, current Scotland manager Craig Levein is another person who realises that McGregor has perhaps been hard done by in the past so, despite a disgraceful sine die SFA ban, the former Dundee Utd and Hearts manager recalled McGregor back to the international fold at the start of this season and he has since made the Scotland No1 position his own with some fine displays for his country. In the meantime McGregor has maintained his form at club level and as Rangers once again became the sole Scottish club to challenge on domestic and European fronts, he has been one player that has shown a high level of consistency and quality throughout. He may not have scored the goals of Kenny Miller or provided the graft of Steven Naismith but McGregor's plethora of vital saves is as invaluable as anything else this season. To that end, it is a huge surprise he's not even mentioned on the official Rangers Player of the Year list - despite the inclusion of players that, with respect, have failed to deliver this season. During a difficult period for the club in financial terms, McGregor is arguably the most expensive asset we have at the club. Out of contract in 2013 and with a variety of clubs always interested in his availability McGregor has come a long way from unglamorous loan spells and unsavoury international incidents. He truly has matured as a player and as a person. Next term will be McGregor's testimonial year given February 2012 will have been 10 years since his first team d�©but and this summer 10 years since he signed professionally in 2001. In a sport that now sees players more motivated by money rather than loyalty it is quite amazing that a player of McGregor's quality is still at Rangers. More so when you consider the variety of external factors that never seemed to impinge on his own self-belief. Of course without a club takeover the lad may not see this exceptional milestone but if he does decide to move on McGregor will leave Rangers with our thanks and as Scotland's number one. Thus, if he continues to court consistency instead of controversy there's no reason why he can't have another ten years as Scotland's number one! Edited April 6, 2011 by Frankie 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilledbear 16 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I'm not sure we really appreciate how good a keeper we have. Alexander tho' a decent keeper, is no where near as good. IMHO of course. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,529 Posted April 6, 2011 Author Share Posted April 6, 2011 McGregor is definitely better but we're very lucky to have two very good 'keepers as Alexander has never let us down when he's played. Can't be easy to sit on the bench week after week and still find a high level the few times you are called upon. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 As a youth product of Murray Park he has been a great servant to the Rangers,and I for one hopes that continues. Testimonials are a rare thing these days. Out of interest how good are our other young goalies?. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calscot 0 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 McGregor is definitely better but we're very lucky to have two very good 'keepers as Alexander has never let us down when he's played. Can't be easy to sit on the bench week after week and still find a high level the few times you are called upon. I do like how Walter has given all the League Cup games to Alexander to keep him motivated. Despite it only being 4 games a season, he must enjoy his collection of 3 winners medals and a runners up - he wouldn't have that many as the first choice for another team. The Europa games must also be a nice experience too. I'm not sure I'd give PLG much credit for giving MacGregor the number one spot - it was obvious all season he was a mile better than Letizi and he only really filled in for injury. It was one of many baffling player choices by the Frenchman that just didn't work. MacGregor always looked like he'd be something special and he has definitely grown into the role - the only surprise is that we didn't cash in on the interest he generated in the Premiership - or that he didn't engineer a move for more money or a quieter life. He was our main saleable asset as well as having a ready, adequate replacement, and it's to his credit he's still here. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boss 0 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 McGregor had at least 3 bits of pure genius last night - the cross/shot that he just managed to tip away, the reflex save after Wylde went to sleep, and the cross from the right that was going inside the far post until he got a glove to it. Most goalies are nutters, the present OP excepted, and it helps when they are brilliant as well. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,529 Posted April 6, 2011 Author Share Posted April 6, 2011 McGregor had at least 3 bits of pure genius last night - the cross/shot that he just managed to tip away, the reflex save after Wylde went to sleep, and the cross from the right that was going inside the far post until he got a glove to it. Most goalies are nutters, the present OP excepted, and it helps when they are brilliant as well. Yeah, the cross that he tipped away looked a goal for all the world last night as well. Lafferty and Naismith scored two great goals but McGregor won us the points last night. [/GOALIES UNION] 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Hovis 0 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 He has the x-factors that all top professionals have, namely supreme mental strength and a huge will to win. Many pros have the talent but not the edge that can take their game to the levels Mcgregor has hit. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,529 Posted April 6, 2011 Author Share Posted April 6, 2011 He has the x-factors that all top professionals have, namely supreme mental strength and a huge will to win. Many pros have the talent but not the edge that can take their game to the levels Mcgregor has hit. Agreed - mental strength should never be under-estimated actually and McGregor's own self-belief and confidence never seems to wane despite the rare mistake and/or negative publicity surrounding his private life. I'm actually astonished a 'bigger' club haven't picked him up by now. After all he'd be a snip considering what price some comparative 'keepers go for in 'better' leagues. Sure he has his faults like any player but his overall talent and experience means he really is a top-class goalkeeper. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boss 0 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I'm actually astonished a 'bigger' club haven't picked him up by now. :surprised: 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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