Rangers boss says there's 'no discussion' about dropping McGregor

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Allan McGregor will start for Rangers against Celtic and said there was “no discussion” about a change in goals.

McGregor’s performance against Ross County put him under scrutiny after mistakes at two goals proved costly in the 3-3 draw that saw Rangers Premiership lead cut to two points.

The veteran goalkeeper has the full support of his manager, and Van Bronckhorst said that his experience would help him to bounce back from a difficult afternoon in Dingwall.

“No, I don’t have a decision to make,” the Rangers manager said.

“For me, Allan is the number one goalkeeper. With goalkeepers, if they make a mistake, most of the time it’s crucial.

“But Allan is still a great goalkeeper. He has saved us many times this season. and it would be strange for me to take him out of the team after the game we played on Saturday.

“You don’t want to make mistakes on purpose, it will overcome you. Allan turned 40 yesterday so has all the experience to overcome this situation.

“For me there is no discussion about taking Allan out of the team.”

Van Bronckhorst, who said that the game at Celtic Park will come too early for new signing Aaron Ramsey, admitted he was looking forward to the derby after memorable games against Rangers’ rivals as a player. However, he said that having experienced plenty of big occasions in the past, he wouldn’t be too nervous when kick-off time comes around.

“It’s the case for players and it’s the same for coaches, you have special games in your career and in a season and of course for me and the club the Old Firm is the biggest game we play in the league,” he said.

“I played as a player, now also as a coach. It’s the same – you want to enjoy the game, you want to be successful and make sure you get a good result.

“I feel excitement because it’s a big game. I played many big games in my career – Old Firms, El Classicos, the World Cup final, Champions League final, Euros, World Cups, all exciting games.

“To prepare for games like this is really, really nice because you want to get the best out of your team, you want to perform well and make sure everything is well organised.

“But it’s all with a lot of energy and to make sure everything is there to get a good result.”