Michael Beale has revealed Rangers are looking at a number of goalkeeping options as he discussed the future of Allan McGregor while admitting it's 'important' to give Robby McCrorie his big chance.
The Light Blues No1 is out of contract in the summer with talks over his future yet to take place. It looked like he was set to retire last season before a U-turn and signing a one-year deal. He started the campaign under Giovanni van Bronckhorst as No2 to Jon McLaughlin before reclaiming the jersey and continuing as the first choice under the new regime.
Beale of late has handed McLaughlin numerous chances in goal while he's also stated a desire to get McCrorie a run out when he returns to full fitness. It is an area of the park a decision will need to be made on at the end of the campaign with the Rangers boss admitting there are three or four goalkeepers he is looking at as he looks to add one to come in and compete for the jersey.
The 42-year-old admits he has a really 'strong' bond with McGregor, 41, but is yet to discuss anything beyond this season with the veteran. It's one to see how his body feels at the end of the campaign - a similar approach that the club left him to decide last term.
He said: "I haven’t spoken to Allan about it (his future) yet. I don’t feel there’s a rush to do that. Last year was similar, the club left it to Allan to decide how his body felt at the end of the season.
“That will be the right thing come the end of the season. We’ll either achieve some of our goals or not. And that might move the goalposts for everybody. I have goalkeepers in mind for the summer that I’d like to add.
“But I want to give Jon access to playing because he’s been here a long time and he did well in the season we won the title. I want to give Robby the same opportunity as well. Allan understands that because of his age. He knows I have to see what’s here.
“Because I don’t want to be looking for three goalkeepers in the summer. I’ll be looking for one that comes in to compete. We have a budget in mind and there are three or four goalkeepers that we’re looking at.
“My relationship with Allan is strong and I haven’t spoken to him about it. Robby will be 25 soon. He’s been in Scotland squads, he’s played in this league for Livingston, played in an Old Firm game and European tie for Rangers.
“So it’s important I give him an opportunity. When you’re looking at goalkeepers, you look for people around the same age with the same profile. But we have one in the building already, so let’s see.”
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