Barry Ferguson insists Allan McGregor is still Rangers’ best as Ibrox hero dismisses John Hartson’s cross ball concern
BARRY FERGUSON is in no doubt that Allan McGregor remains Rangers' top goalkeeper.
That's why the former Light Blues skipper was surprised to see Jon McLaughlin starting between the sticks against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.
McLaughlin began the season as first choice under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but found himself benched after back to back 4-0 defeats to Celtic and Ajax at the end of August and into September.
However, the 35-year old was the surprise name in the starting XI at Tannadice with McGregor dropped to the bench.
Manager Michael Beale explained why he made the decision, citing his belief that McLaughlin is stronger when it comes to dealing with crosses and dead ball situations.
Celtic legend John Hartson agreed with Beale's assessment as he appeared on the Go Radio Football Show.
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He said: “This is not a criticism of him in any way but McGregor has let Rangers down on several occasions coming for crosses.
“He’s almost been nailed to the floor in terms of his feet. He doesn’t come, he doesn’t make decisions when the ball is in his six yard box."
24 hours on, and Barry Ferguson was asked for his view on those comments by a Rangers fan who unleashed a full defence of McGregor.
Former Gers skipper Fergie certainly wasn't in agreement with Hartson's comments or Beale's decision as he insisted McGregor, who turns 41 later this month, is still the club's top goalie.
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Ferguson said: "He's the best goalkeeper I've played with - full stop.
"And I've played with unbelievable goalkeepers. Stefan Klos, Brad Friedel, Joe Hart, Ben Foster - I can go on. They're top class. But for me, he's the best goalkeeper.
"It's never been his strong point, cross balls, but if you're askin gmy opinion on who the best 'keeper at Rangers is, I'd be picking Allan McGregor.
"The big surprise was McLaughlin being in instead of McGregor. Greegsy isn't amazing at crossballs, but he's not the worst."
Beale didn't explicitly explain whether McLaughlin would now get a run as first choice goalkeeper, or if he'd been brought into the side as part of the specific game plan against United.
Nonetheless, Ferguson is in no doubt that McGregor will already be going all out to prove that he deserves to regain his starting spot.
He added: "I know how Greegsy will react. He'll not make a song and dance about it. He'll just train harder to get back into the starting XI.
"He'll be disappointed, he won't be happy.
"I still believe that he's the No.1. I was surprised he never played.
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"I think you're maybe looking at the future, is Allan McGregor going to retire at the end of the season? I think he will this time probably.
"I was unsure last year, it's a big decision for him but I still think he's the best goalkeeper at the club."
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