McGregor desperate to feature in season climax

RANGERS goalkeeper Allan McGregor admits he is desperate to be involved in the climax to the campaign after missing out in the previous two seasons.

Injury forced him on to the sidelines when Rangers played in both the Uefa Cup and Scottish Cup finals two years ago. And he found himself out of the team again 12 months ago as a result of his indiscretions while on duty with the Scotland national team.

This time, as Rangers edge towards retaining the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, McGregor wants to be on the pitch when the medals are handed out. He told Rangers News: “It’s good to be involved at this stage of the season at last, although hopefully I’ve not been jinxed after saying that. This is the business end of the campaign and everyone wants to be there when there are trophies to be won.

“I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks and I just hope I’m in the team for the final few games of the campaign.

“We know we have still got a long way to go before we can say we are champions and there are points still to be won. We just have to focus and go into every game with a positive attitude as we look to keep winning and getting three points. The rest will take care of itself.”

Despite establishing himself as Ibrox number one, McGregor had to look on from the bench as Rangers claimed the first silverware of the season last month. Having played in the previous Co-operative Insurance Cup ties, it was Neil Alexander who was handed the gloves for the final against St Mirren.

McGregor added: “I was chuffed to bits for Neil. He has been here for a couple of years now and I can understand how hard it is for him to be the back-up keeper.

“I was in that position myself before for a number of years and it’s not easy at all, especially with him being 32 now.

“He’s a really fit guy and he will be able to play for a good number of years yet so I hope the two of us can keep fighting it out for a position in the team. It was great for Neil to play in the League Cup final and, while I was obviously disappointed not to be in the side, I was just delighted for him.”

Rangers, meanwhile, yesterday announced they had frozen season-ticket prices for the second successive year. Holders will also be given free access to Rangers’ internet television channel, RangersTV.tv, for the first three months of next term.

Rangers Supporters Assembly president Andy Kerr said: “I appreciate that the current economic climate affects us all but the impact of selling over 40,000 season tickets would be a huge boost for the club and will hopefully enable Walter Smith to strengthen the playing squad.”