Andy Firth has told The Athletic that Rangers star Allan McGregor is the “best pro” he has ever seen having worked under the Ibrox legend – claiming he used to see the veteran stopper in at 6am at Rangers, training like an “animal”.
McGregor, 40, has won his place in the starting line-up at Rangers this season having started the campaign as cover for Jon McLaughlin. He remains a crucial part of the Rangers side, starting in Michael Beale’s first game on Thursday night.
Likely to be in his final season at Rangers, the veteran stopper is edging closer to a huge 500 appearances for the Gers. Currently on 466, he might have to see out another season to reach that figure. But an Ibrox legend, nonetheless.
Likely to start his 467th appearance on Tuesday night at Pittodrie, ex-Rangers goalkeeper Firth – who left in the summer – gave a glowing verdict of McGregor. He says McGregor is the “best pro” he has worked with.
“He’s the best pro I’ve seen anywhere I’ve been. He is in at about 6am doing his strappings, stretches and rubs, and he trains like an animal for an old man. He’s the best ’keeper I’ve worked with by a million miles,” Firth told The Athletic.
Firth: Rangers star McGregor is the ‘best pro’ he has ever seen
There is a reason why McGregor continues to churn out important performances for Rangers, both domestically and in Europe. A reason why he continues to remain a Rangers player – instead of retiring and moving to the next stage.
While he has conceded 28 goals in 16 appearances and only kept three clean sheets this season, a lot of that is down to the injuries Rangers have in defence. He has still produced numerous important saves, even against Hibs last week.
Does he get another year at Rangers beyond the end of the season? Who knows, at this stage. Many expected McGregor to retire in the summer. But it would be foolish to bet against it. Even despite, Charlie Nicholas’ comments.
