CHRIS WOODS has no doubts that Allan McGregor could extend his career and play on for another season at Ibrox.
But the former Rangers hero knows the keeper will make the right call at the right time for himself as he considers his future beyond the summer.
McGregor made what could well be his last appearance for Rangers on Saturday as he replaced Jon McLaughlin for the final minutes of the Scottish Cup win over Hearts.
The 40-year-old has refused to be drawn on his plans for next season amid speculation that he will hang up his gloves and call time on a glittering career for club and country.
And Woods insists McGregor has the medals and the memories to mark him out as one of the greats at Ibrox as boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst considers his options for next term.
“He’s been a fantastic goalkeeper throughout his career," Woods said.
“He has won numerous awards and prizes over the years and he will look back on that and cherish it.
“I’m sure Allan could play on if he wants to. But I’m not sure if the Hearts game will be his final match or not.
“I remember when I stopped playing myself I was convinced that I could still play. But there comes a time when you realise it is over.
“It ultimately comes down to Allan and what he wants to do, whether that be give up or carry on for another year.
“If the Scottish Cup final is his final game then he can look back on a great career.
“It will be down to Giovanni whether Jon is the right man to be the Rangers No1.
“But he has produced great performances when he has been called upon.”
McGregor was an integral and influential part of the side that clinched title 55 last season as Rangers ended their decade-long wait for Premiership silverware.
There was no crowning moment in the Europa League this time out, however, as his fine efforts were not enough to inspire Van Bronckhorst's side to success in Seville last week.
A Scottish Cup medal may prove to be the last that McGregor collects and Woods is full of admiration for the way he has performed on and off the park throughout his incredible career.
Woods said: “He has stayed at the top for so long because he is that good.
“He looks after himself, he trains hard and when you do that then you earn more luck.
“When I say that I don't mean lucky saves, but you earn the luck to make the saves.
“Over the period of time playing for Rangers, it’s a bit more difficult than at other clubs.
“You aren’t involved in the game the whole time, so when you are called upon you have to make sure you do the right things.
“That’s a massive thing in terms of concentration and you have to learn how to handle that.
“Allan has done that over the years and continued to show it this season too.”
Victory over Hearts at Hampden saw Rangers end the campaign on a high note as they bounced back from their European disappointment and the defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
It was a first medal success for boss Van Bronckhorst and Woods - who won seven major honours at Ibrox - knows how important a moment it could be for Rangers going forward.
Woods said: “Winning becomes a good habit to get into. You have that one trophy and you want to get the next one and the next one.
“Looking to next season they will want to go one better in the league. Hopefully they can lift some more silverware as well.
“That’s why you come to a club like Rangers or Celtic, to win things and be challenging for titles.”
