Slavia Prague boss Jindřich Trpišovský has appeared to settle a rumbling debate over Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor and legendary England stopper Gordon Banks.
Branding McGregor a “genius”, Trpišovský claims that the 39-year-old veteran’s pinky-tip stop in the closing moments of the 1-1 draw between Slavia Prague and Rangers is better than Banks’ iconic Pele save at the 1970 World Cup.
The Banks save is traditionally regarded as “the greatest ever” but McGregor’s full-stretch arm out sprawling effort is certainly amongst the best in the Rangers goalie’s career.
And that’s saying something.
Speaking ahead of the return leg of the Europa League Last 16 clash at Ibrox, Trpišovský applauded McGregor for a save which swings the balance of the match in Rangers’ favour.
“I already commented about this at the press conference after the match and I don’t remember such a genius save,” said Trpišovský [Glasgow Times].
“It really was outstanding, and I would say it is even better than the legendary save of Gordon Banks.
“I would say that the header was a really good hit and the field was wet, but he just had it by a pinky.
“I would say that he is a pivotal part of the team and we saw the other day that he saved a penalty against Celtic.
“He is really capable of holding the team. He has got an outstanding score and I have to say that I have never seen a better save. I can’t understand it.”
High praise indeed from the Slavia Prague manager and McGregor will be happy if he continues to frustrate the Czech Champions this evening.
It wasn’t just the Rangers goalkeeper’s save that caught the eye last week either – the Ibrox stopper’s post-match interview also turned the heads of the Gers support.
