Allan McGregor admits he’s “humbled“ to have joined the exclusive club of players who have racked up 500 games for Rangers.
The veteran keeper made his milestone appearance for the Light Blues in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox. John Greig is out in front on 755, followed by the late Sandy Jardine on 674. Record goalscorer Ally McCoist is third with 581, one more than Sandy Archibald on 580. McGregor doesn't quite make the top 10 yet, but nonetheless the 41-year-old is honoured to be in such esteemed company.
He said: "It’s a massive honour, personally. I’m not one for personal achievements but this means a lot to me. I came here as a boy and getting one appearance, never mind 500, is a massive thing for me. I was actually looking at it (the list) not long ago and it’s a small list for (the club) being here over 150 years, so it does humble me a little bit, yeah.”
Peter McCloy is ninth with 535 games and the former goalkeeper caught up with McGregor at the weekend’s game. But he was more interested in grilling him on his place for next season, with the former Scotland international out of contract in the summer.
“He was just asking me about next season to be honest!” McGregor told Sky Sports. “He congratulated me and asked what I was doing. It was good advice because he said I’d know myself, bodywise.”
McCloy is on 535 appearances, but will McGregor be around next season to catch him? The same approach as last season is being taken, with a call set to be made once the campaign is over.
He said: “I don’t know. You can ask all you want, it was the same last year. I need to focus on the games, let the season finish and make my decision then. That’s exactly what I did last year. I’ll concentrate until the end of the season and see what happens then.
“I consider if my body can handle it, I consider if I’ll be good enough to perform at the highest level for me. Everybody says play as long as you want and I get that, Do I want to be sitting on the bench? To be fair I was at the start of this season, but I like to feel I can contribute in some way. That would be a major factor.”
Rangers announced last week McGregor was set to be honoured with a testimonial game against Newcastle United, and he can’t wait. “It’s fantastic,” he said. “ I’m glad the club have done that for me. It will be a great occasion and they’re fans are first class as well. It might be the first game of our pre-season so it will be a good night.”
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