‘No higher accolade’: Rangers legend pays Allan McGregor ultimate compliment after Celtic shutout

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Rangers kept yet another clean sheet at Ibrox on Saturday

James Tavernier and Kemar Roofe’s goals may have played a significant role in Rangers’ accumulating a 19-point advantage in the title race, but there has been an equally important contribution at the other end.

Celtic were dominant for much of the first hour at Ibrox on Saturday, but could find no way past veteran keeper Allan McGregor.

In his 401st appearance for the club, he made a series of saves including a stunning stop from Leigh Griffiths that left the striker shaking his head in disbelief.

It means that Rangers’ goals conceded tally in the Premiership this season continues to stand at a paltry five, with 22 games having been played.

That solid foundation at the back has helped Steven Gerrard’s side remain unbeaten in the league, with their last dropped points coming in September against Hibs.

Rangers legend Mark Hateley has paid tribute to McGregor, and insists that the number one shows no signs of slowing down despite turning 39 later this month.

Hateley won six league titles in a team featuring Ibrox great Andy Goram, and he believes McGregor can be spoken about in the same breath.

Talking to Record Sport, Hateley said: “I would comfortably say you can now mention Allan McGregor in the same sentence as Andy Goram.

“I can’t give him a higher accolade than that. Some might think Greegsy is in the back end of his career but he looks as if he’s in his prime.

“Football has moved on from my day. Players are so well looked after now, given individual programmes to make themselves stronger and fitter, and there’s no reason – apart from injury – why Greegsy can’t keep on playing for another
few seasons.

“Managed correctly, players are now able to play into their late 30s. Sports science and the professionalism of players means they can play
for longer.

“Greegsy and Steven Davis are at an age where they can’t play all the games but Steven Gerrard and his staff have managed the players well this year, especially the older players.

“Your goalkeeper is always your foundation. Great teams have great goalkeepers.”