Noel Whelan says that Allan McGregor could struggle to get back into Glasgow Rangers' starting XI due to the performances of back-up goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

McGregor is a legend at Ibrox, having made 352 appearances for the 54-time Scottish champions, whilst he also started the term between the sticks for Steven Gerrard. However, an injury allowed new signing McLaughlin to prove himself, and he has not yet conceded in his first five matches.

Whelan has clearly been impressed by the former Sunderland man, and he says McGregor will find it hard to get back into the side. He told Football Insider:

"He needs to earn his place.

"It is no different to Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe. That is what competition is all about.

"It will be no different for McGregor because Rangers defence so far this season has been absolutely excellent – perfection. I cannot see McGregor coming back into the side.

"Steven Gerrard does not work that way. He knows what the value is of players playing well. Consistency is key in a side that is winning and not conceding."

Of course, there had to be a point when McGregor would lose his spot - he is 38 years old, after all - but he will not have expected it to happen so quickly into the new campaign. It is still early days, but McLaughlin has not put a foot wrong and, although he himself is 32, the future lies with him.

Gerrard will be aware of this, and right now, it is hard to see where McGregor fits in.

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