Celtic legend Charlie Nicholas blasts Rangers star Allan McGregor as urgent issue and claims he shouldn’t be in the team
CHARLIE NICHOLAS reckons Michael Beale deserves credit for turning around his opening game as Rangers boss.
But there's still one glaring concern that could stop his side in the fight to catch Celtic and re-claim the Premiership title, according to The Hoops hero.
The Light Blues came out on top of a 3-2 thriller against Hibs at Ibrox last Thursday.
But they had to come from behind not once but twice in the first half.
Ryan Porteous put the Hibees ahead with a close-range header just eight minutes into Beale's highly anticipated bow.
Fashion Sakala equalised shortly after but the visitors were ahead again just seconds later when returning frontman Kevin Nisbet restored their lead.
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Gers turned the game on it's on head through goals from Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos in the second half but faced strong criticism for their defensive efforts.
In particular, Nicholas singled out veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor as a key issue.
He's adamant the 40-year-old should have RETIRED from playing at the end of last year if he can't use his authority to claim crosses in the area.
He wrote in his Scottish Daily Express column: "Michael Beale has made a good start but last week's 3-2 win over Hibs once again showed that Rangers need a new goalkeeper.
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"If Allan McGregor isn't willing to come for a cross in his own six-yard box then he shouldn't be in the team.
"He ought to have retired at the end of last season and Rangers should have bought a new No.1.
"Beale does deserve credit for the second-half tactical change that allowed Gers to see off Hibs.
"However, his team's defensive frailties remain the biggest concern."
The Light Blues return to action tonight with a trip north to face Aberdeen.
And it appears Beale with have a huge boost to his defensive unit for the tie too with the return of star centre-back Connor Goldson.
The 30-year-old is a crucial part of the Ibrox back-line but has been out since picking up an injury against Liverpool in October.
To the delight of Rangers fans he's poised to make a comeback and START tonight's tie.
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Beale said: “I think most people now realise how good Connor is. Not everyone, but I felt there was an attention on his performances which I wasn’t sure was correct.
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“Connor’s been a fantastic signing considering the number of games he has played for what he originally cost."
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