I’m PLEASED Rangers are letting Allan McGregor go, admits Newcastle legend – ‘he’s had a phenomenal career’
SHAY GIVEN confessed he’s glad to see the back of Allan McGregor.
But the Celtic fan, whose old club Newcastle United provide opposition for the keeper’s Ibrox testimonial tonight, also paid warm tribute to the Rangers idol.
Republic of Ireland legend Given told SunSport: “I’m not sure how much the Rangers fans will appreciate someone of my Celtic connections talking about Allan!
"But, he’s been brilliant. He’s had a phenomenal career.
“Allan’s 41, but I still don’t think he’s said yet he’s going to retire, has he? Maybe he’s going to play a bit longer.
“But he’s been such a big part of Rangers and for a long time with Scotland. Allan’s made so many amazing saves over his career and unfortunately plenty against Celtic!
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“I’ll be happy to see the back of him for Old Firm games.
“But, seriously, he’s proved to be a fantastic goalkeeper and a real personality on the field.
“Allan’s had a presence about him. The bigger the game, so often there’s been the bigger performances from McGregor. That tells you plenty about his mentality.
“He’ll have a great night against my old club Newcastle and hopefully get a big send-off.”
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Ex-England star Jack Butland’s been brought in by Gers boss Michael Beale on a free transfer.
Given added: “Jack’s very capable and I’ll be watching his progress.”
Earlier this month Butland admitted he hoped to tap into McGregor's experience ahead of his big night.
The keeper said: "I just want to hear about his experiences and what the club means to him and how that can help me.
“We’re different goalkeepers and I’m just looking forward to getting the gloves on and trying to emulate some of the things that they have achieved.
“There is value, 100 per cent, in talking to Allan.
“It’s a unique city, the way that it operates and he knows it better than anybody.
“So there’s no better person for me to talk to than him about his experiences at the club.
“He’ll know how to deal with that and how to deal with the Old Firms.
“It’s about getting insight into all of that and how he went about it.
“It can only be beneficial for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked if he was calmer on the park than McGregor, Butland smiled: “I don’t know. Maybe, within reason. We are different.
“I like to be as collected as possible. But I am vocal, I think that is important.
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“I like to be vocal in the changing room, not overly so, just when things are required. I have always felt I have been a big voice in clubs I have been at.
“But calmer? Maybe. I’m not sure.”
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