Steven Gerrard hails Allan McGregor as he gives Rangers injury update ahead of Standard Liege clash

Steven Gerrard has showered veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor with praise as the Ibrox No.1 stands on the cusp of history.

Steven Gerrard with Allan McGregor after Rangers' victory against Braga in Portugal in February

Having made his European bow in a Uefa Cup tie against Molde in September 2006, the 38-year-old is poised to make his 83rd appearance when Rangers host Standard Liege on Thursday.

The former Scotland shot-stopper, who is in his second stint at the Gers, will surpass former team-mate and ex-Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson who played in 82 European ties between 1998 and 2008.

Speaking ahead of the Belgians' visit, McGregor said: “At the moment I’m concentrating on the game, not individual records but I'm very proud to be part of the history of the club.

"Over the three years there has been an improvement; consistency comes with winning but we are not getting carried away. It is early and we take it a game at a time.

"The job is certainly not done in the group stage, we need to concentrate on tomorrow night but since the gaffer arrived we have been very good in Europe.

"It is a difficult group, but we are in a decent position. We will go out tomorrow and do our best as we do every game.”

Gerrard added: “Allan is up there with the best I have played with, he helps set the standard and his consistency levels from day one have been high level.

"He deserves to break the record tomorrow. I'm sure Barry [Ferguson] will be very proud also as they played and won together.

"Confidence and belief are really high at the moment; we are on an unbeaten run we want to continue. We know Standard come here needing a win; it is a very interesting match and one we are all looking forward to.

"We have set the standards high at this club but we need to stay humble and focused on the next challenge against a tough side.”

The Rangers manager is hopeful of having Joe Aribo available for selection on Thursday night but the group match will come too soon for Ryan Jack.

Gerrard continued: “Ryan is a major doubt, but still has a good chance for the weekend. Aribo will hopefully be back with us, assuming he comes through today's session.

“Brandon Barker will train his morning and hopefully make the squad.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.