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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

Jon McLaughlin set for Rangers Scottish Cup final start as Allan McGregor to be denied potential swansong

Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists Jon McLaughlin will keep his Scottish Cup place for the final against former club Hearts.

The Scotland squad keeper and back-up to Allan McGregor has played between the sticks in every round so far.

And Van Bronckhorst insists he will stick with McLaughlin despite the fact it could potentially be McGregor’s last chance to play for the club with his future uncertain.

McGregor’s contract is up after the Hampden showpiece but Van Bronckhorst said: “I’ve started McLaughlin in the cup campaign this year.

“Jon has my full confidence. Allan McGregor is our number one and will fully support Jon.”

Van Bronckhorst will be without Borna Barisic who was forced off injured in the Europa League Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Ibrox boss admitted penalty shoot out fall guy Aaron Ramsey is still hurting but insists his side are ready following the heartbreak of the loss in Seville.

And the Dutchman, who admitted youngster Alex Lowry could featured at Hampden, said: “We all shared the disappointment.

“Aaron was very down, we needed to lift him up as we do every player in the squad.

“The fans will welcome him and my team on Saturday. All our focus is on the final and we have to support each other as a family to be ready for the final.

“It will be a tough game after 120 minutes in difficult heat. We had a good recovery and all of the players who featured are available apart from Borna.

Calvin Bassey is playing really well and we are seeing his development as a player and person. I love working with him.

(REUTERS)

“He is still young and very open to advice. He wants to get better every day. Alex Lowry is a big talent for us and he will be in the squad and hopefully he can play a part in this game.

“It will be great to see him develop moving forward. I have a lot of confidence in my team. We didn't get the outcome we wanted but overall it was a good experience for my team.”

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