ALLAN MCGREGOR has paid an emotional tribute to Rangers legend Andy Goram following his tragic passing last week.
Goram was an inspirational figure to a generation of keepers as he etched his name in Ibrox folklore during the historic run to nine-in-a-row under the guidance of Walter Smith.
McGregor is one of the keepers who has followed in his illustrious footsteps and he is now preparing for another campaign that will see him play beyond his 41st birthday.
The former Light Blues hero will be laid to rest on Monday as fans get their final chance to pay their respects to the man who will go down as the finest keeper in the club's history.
“He’s someone I looked up to when I was younger,” McGregor told Sky Sports. “During the school holidays, I used to go in and train with the first team and he was there.
"He was a great character, an unbelievable goalie and a great guy. I was fortunate enough to go up and see him a couple of months ago in the hospital and he was still his usual bubbly self. He’ll be sorely missed by everybody.
“He's got to be up there. He’s one of the best, if not the best. [Height] shouldn’t bother anybody; you're either good or you’re not.
"It doesn’t matter how tall you are. He was unbelievable for the club, great with Scotland and just as a guy.
"When I went up he was telling loads of stories and is just a character that will be sorely missed.
“I spoke to him relatively regularly, whether that was at a game or when I was younger coming through. He was just a great guy.
“The [saves] from van Hooijdonk, obviously. Not the penalty, but the other one. That stands out in everybody’s mind.
"You look at that and go: ‘Wow, how did that not go in?’ That’s what he did lots and lots of times."
