EQUAL measures of patience and hard work have seen the popular Allan McGregor become the club's longest serving player since beginning his Rangers career as a youth player in 1998.
Thankfully, this service seems set to increase after he signed a new six year contract in the summer of 2011.
Described in his early days as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, the 29 year-old has lived up to the promise and firmly established himself as first choice for Rangers and Scotland.
However, this 14 year association with the club has not been without its challenges. Early on, the Edinburgh-born stopper had to overcome career threatening wrist and hand injuries. Then, after signing professional terms in 2001, perseverance and determination were vital as McGregor endured long spells as understudy to the likes of Klos and Charbonnier.
2010/11
'Greegsy' proved a key part of Rangers' SPL and League Cup winning side, picking up SPL Player of the Month for April in the process. His contribution was typified by a memorable save from a Georgios Samaras penalty late in the final Old Firm match of the season. Those heroics ensured the game finished 0-0 and proved decisive in a title battle that Rangers won by a single point.
2009/10
Here he made 46 appearances in all competitions, collecting League Cup and SPL winners medals along the way.
2008/09
Allan was rewarded with a new five year deal in the summer of 2008. After a brief blip, he resumed his role as Smith's first choice. However, a disciplinary breach on Scotland duty saw him drop out of the team and he was on the side-lines for the season climax, with Rangers completing a domestic double with Neil Alexander in goal.
2007/08
McGregor enjoyed a hugely impressive season that saw him save twice in the League Cup shoot-out to help him earn his first medal as No.1. However, an injury sustained at Celtic Park meant he lost his place to Alexander for a season run-in that involved finals in the UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup.
2006/07
As this season opened he was in and out of the team, before Paul Le Guen settled on the Scot as his first choice between the sticks. Walter Smith then kept faith with McGregor on his return in January 2007.
2005/06
Competitive game-time was acquired at East End Park in 2005/06, where he kept goal for Dunfermline on 31 occasions.
2004/05
McGregor took the opportunity of more regular first team opportunities, making 24 appearances on loan at St. Johnstone.
2003/04
The goalkeeper got a few chances to prove his worth, making two League Cup appearances and four League appearances under his belt.
2002/03
A sparse season for Allan - he went through Rangers' treble campaign as an unused substitute.
2001/02
McGregor's Rangers debut came in February 2002 as he took to the field in place of an injured Stefan Klos after 70 minutes in the Scottish Cup versus Forfar Athletic. His first start came later that 2001/02 season against Dunfermline.
- Player Record
- Team Record
