Hibs boss Jack Ross knew Jon McLaughlin would be a hit at Rangers

Easter Road manager signed goalkeeper at Sunderland and says he’ll want to be No.1

Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin has been stepping in for the injured Allan McGregor. Picture: Craig Foy/SNS Group

Most people expected that Jon McLaughlin would have to be content playing back-up to Allan McGregor at Ibrox but the former Hearts and Sunderland keeper would not have been one of them and neither was the man who signed him for the Black Cats.

Hibernian manager Jack Ross remains a big fan of the Scotland international he lured to the Stadium of Light in July 2018 and has been delighted to see him enjoy a sustained run in a Rangers team that has yet to concede a goal in the league this season.

“It hasn’t surprised me. He was brilliant for me, he was up there with as good a signing I made at the club,” said Ross.” He has reliability and quality, and is very low maintenance as a player as well.

“He is very relaxed and calm, and a pretty level headed guy. He is really good to work with in that respect.”

While McGregor did start the season as Steven Gerrard’s No.1, playing in the opening-day victory over Aberdeen, injury gave McLaughlin the chance to step up and impress, and he performed well enough to keep his rival on the sidelines.

McGregor was reintroduced for the Europa League midweek mauling of Lincoln Red Imps but Ross, whose Hibs side will play host to Rangers today, does not expect McLaughlin to slip back meekly into the shadows. “Allan’s injury maybe afforded him his initial opportunity but I haven’t been surprised by his performance levels,” added Ross who parted company with Sunderland last October.

“I know how good a goalkeeper he is, and I’m looking forward to seeing him.

“I am delighted for him personally that he has made such a good start to his career there. I never believed he would be happy just going there and being a back-up.

“I think he knew, given Allan’s experience, quality and pedigree and his recent form as well, I think he probably knew he was going in to the understudy position. But, having worked with him I know he has belief in his own abilities that he would think if he got the opportunity he’d have a chance of staying in.

“That’s another manager’s choice but I haven’t been surprised with his performance levels and what he has shown.”

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