Allan McGregor’s clean sheets at Ibrox have been mightily impressive, and Steven Gerrard has praised him for racking up another in Paisley.
The Rangers number one made a couple of terrific stops to keep the scoreline level going into the break. McGregor has often found himself having to make some big saves at key times in matches. Saturday proved no different.
Ian McShane and Ryan Edwards both saw efforts tremendously tipped over by the Gers goalkeeper. That’s nothing new for a Rangers support who have seen their shot-stopper make crucial saves time and again.
Gerrard, however, took time to acknowledge his number one’s contribution this season. Speaking to Rangers TV after the 2-0 win in Paisley, Gerrard showered McGregor with due praise.
“He’s been absolutely magnificent from day one.”
“It’s my responsibility to try and help Allan with his age and the amount of games we’ve got. I need to try and help him in terms of his body, so his fresh and is right at it. I thought he was excellent today with his focus and concentration, and what he had to do, he did it perfectly well.
“It is no surprise to me he is breaking records as he is a top goalkeeper.”
Clean sheet tally
So far at Rangers, McGregor has managed to keep a total of nine clean sheets in his 22 Gers appearances so far. In another 11 of those games, the Scotland number one has only shipped one goal in each match.
It’s a mightily impressive record since arriving in the summer. His performances this season have seen him leap over Craig Gordon and into his rightful place as Scotland’s top goalkeeper.
He’s also been a massive reason as to why Rangers have been so successful in Europe. Whilst the domestic results continue to take a bit of criticism, Rangers have went unbeaten in 11 consecutive European matches under Gerrard. That’s a club record. McGregor has been at the heart of that with five clean sheets in all European matches in total.
He’ll be looking to do likewise when Rangers make the journey to Russia to face Spartak Moscow. The Russian giants are set to be tricky opposition for the Ibrox side, and McGregor will have to be on his game.
Gerrard has been delighted with his performances so far, however, and rightly so.