Rangers’ European appearances record was increased last night by Allan McGregor.
The goalkeeper made his 94th continental appearance for the club in the 1-1 draw away to Danish Champions Brondby in the Europa League.
He is ahead of club legends such as John Greig, Ally McCoist, and Barry Ferguson in European appearances and should only go and extend it further. Rangers have two Group A matches remaining and qualification for the knockout stages is in their own hands.
When McGregor first joined the club’s youth setup over two decades ago, I doubt anyone thought he would go on to hold a Rangers European record.
However, last night’s game didn’t exactly go to plan for the club. An early goal was chalked off after the linesman deemed the ball went out of play from a corner. This could have given the visitors much-needed momentum.
Further chances were wasted, and the Danes went ahead on the stroke of halftime through Leon Balogun’s own goal, continuing Rangers’ recent poor record of conceding first.
The second half proved to be marginally better, with the introduction of Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent seeming to inject a spark into the team. It was Kent who provided the moment of magic from which Rangers equalised.
His wonderful touch gave him some precious space to set up Hagi to finish superbly into the bottom corner.
The winner did not arrive, though, and the club had to settle for a disappointing draw.
Much will be made about whether or not Allan McGregor will manage to appear in 100 European matches for Rangers, but with the team underperforming in Europe so far this season, it isn’t a guarantee.
Whether he stays or goes, he has etched himself into the annals of Rangers history.
Everyone will miss these wonderful press conference moments when he departs the club.
