Former Rangers goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart has singled out Ibrox number one Allan McGregor for his massive performances in Old Firm games this season that have left Steven Gerrard’s side looking to end the season unbeaten against their bitter rivals after five meetings between the two this season.
McGregor has pulled off a string of stunning saves against the Parkhead side this term as the Gers have racked up three wins and a draw from their four fixtures so far – with the final Old Firm of the season this weekend.
Stewart worked closely with McGregor for club and country earlier in his career and believes the 39-year-old has given Rangers a platform to build on against their bitter rivals.
“I think when you look a the result Rangers have had in Old Firm games, and the place Allan has taken within the team’s framework, it’s been a massive thing,” Stewart told Sky Sports.
“The 1-1 game, his goalkeeping was excellent. There wasn’t outstanding saves but the fact he performed to a good level and gives the team a platform to go on and get those results.
“The save he made from Griffiths, fantastic. He made the save from Edouard, fantastic. Then you see his reaction and he’s insisting it’s not a corner and saying he never touched it – which is him to a tee.
“When you look at those Celtic games, he’s given the team a platform to go forward and get a result.”
McGregor’s form for Rangers has seen the keeper in contention for the Player of the Year award and Stewart, who now sees his son Colin fulfilling the same role he did at Ibrox, admits he would back the Rangers number one for the gong.
While keepers aren’t typically in the running for individual honours, Stewart thinks McGregor is in “good company” with the likes of Andy Goram having previously won the award.
“I think he’s in good company.” Stewart added.
“When you look back to Andy Goram and Craig Gordon and even go back as far as Ronnie Simpson and Allan Rough, there are plenty of goalkeepers who have earned the right to be in that echelon of being the player of the year.
“If you look at Allan’s performances in the three years since he’s come back to Rangers, he’s been nothing but a high-quality performer.
“This year, he’s been outstanding because, obviously, the efforts and desire to win 55 has been fantastic from the group and that will have been a driving force for him.
“His performances in the bigger games have been first-class and I’m not just talking about the saves – the saves are important – but his overall intensity and desire to demand the qualities of a Rangers team have stood him in good stead. For me, and I’m a wee bit biased, he would get my vote.”
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