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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Andrew Newport

Allan McGregor urged to put Rangers decision on ice until after Seville as Gio van Bronckhorst reveals talks over future

Gio van Bronckhorst has told Allan McGregor to focus on Seville before coming to a decision on his Rangers retirement.

The Ibrox keeper turned 40 in January and is approaching the final week of his current contract.

McGregor admitted last month that he was making a concerted effort to take more time to “savour” the big moments as the clock ticks down on his career, fuelling speculation the former Scotland No.1 is considering hanging up his gloves this summer.

If he does bow out, he’ll hope to do it on an almighty high as Rangers prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final in Spain with Eintracht Frankfurt then the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts three days later.

The Seville showdown will hold extra meaning for McGregor after injury forced him to miss the club’s 2008 run to the UEFA Cup final in Manchester, where understudy Neil Alexander played in the loss to Zenit St Petersburg.

Boss Van Bronckhorst is aware of the significance of next week’s clash but doesn’t want the keeper’s future to cloud Gers’ bid for their first European trophy in 50 years.

The Ibrox gaffer said: “I spoke to Allan about it this week. He missed the final in 2008 but he has another chance to play a final in Europe next week.

“I’m really happy about that because he is a very experienced player.

“You always need a balance and mix between experienced players and talents. We have that.

“We’re sitting down with all the experienced players after the season but it’s important for them to concentrate on the final week and then we’ll see what happens.”

Van Bronckhorst is still sweating on the fitness of Kemar Roofe, with the striker facing a race against time to declare himself ready to face Frankfurt.

But if the Jamaica striker misses out, his manager insists he can still play a role in supporting the team alongside fellow casualties Alfredo Morelos, Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander.

He said: “We’re all together. Alfredo just came back from Colombia so he is also here to support. They have an important influence on the team.

“There are 11 players on the pitch and players will come in but eventually we are there with everyone.

“We will take everyone with us to be together and experience this beautiful occasion as a group. We’ll do everything to come back to Glasgow with the cup.”

Rangers have one last Premiership fixture to fulfil before they can turn their full attention to Seville.

But Van Bronckhorst admits today’s Tynecastle trip won’t be a full dress rehearsal for facing the Jambos at Hampden.

He said: “Hopefully we win, but we’re getting close to the final and I wanted to use the last games in the league to get everyone fit and ready.”

Meanwhile, Rangers have been fined £7000 by UEFA after fans blocked Ibrox passageways against Braga in the quarter-final.

The Light Blues were hit with a £25,000 fine for fan conduct against Red Star Belgrade in the last-16 and were also slapped with a £4,168 fine after a fan invaded the pitch against Borussia Dortmund.

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