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‘Not surprised’: Former Rangers star Waterreus hails Ibrox Player of the Year candidate
It’s a measure of Allan McGregor’s longevity that a 50-year-old is recalling his experience of training alongside him, but there’s little sign that the Rangers keeper is slowing down.
Former Ibrox custodian Ronald Waterreus has fond memories of working with McGregor, and has been impressed by the superb form he’s shown this season.
McGregor has been integral to a league run that has seen Rangers ship just 10 goals in 33 Premiership matches, and also pulled off some impressive stops in their run to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Waterreus, who joined Rangers as cover for Stefan Klos in 2005, kept McGregor out of the side during his time at Ibrox but was well aware of the youngster’s qualities.
Now, at the age of 39, the Scotsman has signed a one-year contract extension and is considered a contender for this season’s Player of the Year award.
Speaking to the , Waterreus hailed the former Sunderland man’s achievements.
He said: “Allan was 23 when I first met him.
“It was 2005, and Alex McLeish signed me for Rangers after Stefan Klos picked up an injury.
“My first impression of Allan was that he was a good guy, a nice chap. He was genuine, and I liked him.
“To be honest, he was probably a little bit unlucky that Rangers didn’t give him a run in the first team instead of signing me. He may well have been ready for it at that point.
“But he was happy to work alongside me, and I hope he learned something.
“I wasn’t the type to tell a young keeper how to dive around, and how to do this and that every minute of a training session.
“But I was happy to give advice when I felt the time was right, and whenever asked for guidance.
“For example, I was pretty decent with the ball at my feet and, even back then, that was an important part of the game for any goalkeeper.
“Allan would ask about how to improve on that side of his game, and things he could work on. He was eager to learn.
“He went out on loan to a couple of Scottish clubs (St Johnstone and Dunfermline) to give him first-team experience over an extended period.
“That was excellent preparation for him to go on and have an outstanding career in the game.
“During his two spells at Rangers, he has been very consistent and I’m not surprised many are tipping him for the Player of the Year.
“There are some fine candidates, but Allan has as good a chance as anyone. We will see.”