Former Rangers coach Alan Main is certain Ibrox keeper Allan McGregor will look to extend his career well beyond his 40th birthday – and thinks the Gers veteran can play on for a “good while yet.”
Main worked with McGregor for a spell in 2011 when then-Rangers coach Jim Stewart needed to undergo surgery, calling it a “good experience.”
After signing a new deal which will keep him at Ibrox for another 12 months, McGregor will turn 40 in January, but Main doesn’t think that’s something that will even register in McGregor’s thoughts about his future.
“I’d a few months working with Allan when Jim Stewart had a knee operation. It was a good experience. He’s a nice lad and we got on well,” Main told the Scottish Sun.
“Even then he was a really fit guy with a tremendous attitude to training and playing.
“He wanted to work. There was a real professionalism about him.
“If you look at him, he’s not putting weight on and his mentality is obviously still very good.
“That’s why he’ll continue. There’ll be the enjoyment aspect as well. Right now, he’ll be disappointed they’ve gone out of the Scottish Cup because doing the Double would have made a great season an exceptional one.
“But he’ll still want to win leagues and cups, I think you can see that about him when he plays.
“I’d doubt if he’s the type who’d even think about turning 40 during next season.
“He’ll recognise he has to keep his standards high for his own situation but also because Rangers have a very capable reserve in Jon McLaughlin.
“Deep down, Allan will know how many years he has left. But if he’s enjoying it then he can play for a good while yet.”
With the veteran Rangers keeper playing a massive role in helping Steven Gerrard’s side secure the title this season, he’ll be looking forward to the prospect of a return to the Champions League and further increase his club-record European appearance record.
The Light Blues – and McGregor – have put in some phenomenal performances during their Europa League run this season as the Gers went some way to restoring their reputation on the continent.
While McGregor will definitely play past 40 after signing his new contract, Gers fans will already be wondering if he’ll play beyond 41.
In other news, Rangers reportedly want ambitious move for Dutch star who’s been backed to ‘reach the top’
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