Rangers news: McLeish issues verdict on Allan McGregor quitting after major development
Alex McLeish has insisted Allan McGregor could be suffering as a result of the “massive expectations” of playing for Rangers.
The former Gers and Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 40-year-old will be “the first to know” when to hang up his gloves.
Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has faced calls from ex-professionals and fans to drop McGregor after a string of poor performances.
However, speaking in his Daily Record column (4 March), former Gers ace Barry Ferguson insisted the former Hull shot-stopper remains “the best goalkeeper in Scotland”.
He warned critics to “be very careful what you wish for”, adding that dropping McGregor could lead to Van Bronckhorst’s side “throwing away the title”.
McLeish hailed the goalkeeper’s “mentality” despite his poor form.
“He made a decision when I was back managing in the national team,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“He thanked me for bringing him back into the fold but acknowledged that it was time to concentrate on his Rangers career.
“McGregor had a really brilliant season last year. Forget the Alfredo Morelos or Kemar Roofe goals, or anyone else – he ended up player of the year.
“He can’t go on forever – and he’ll be the first to know when to stop. At Rangers and Celtic, the expectation levels are massive.
“The minute the punters see a wee gap, the criticism comes in thick and fast.
“You see some questionable snippets of him now, but he’s still got the mentality of ‘I’ll show you how wrong you are’ and tries to put it right.”
McGregor is out of contract at Ibrox in May.
He has kept 13 clean sheets across 33 games in all competitions this term.
In other news, pundit claims Rangers are “scared” and this is how Celtic reacted.