Kevin Phillips believes that Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin will be regretting his move to Ibrox in the summer.

McLaughlin regretting switch

The 32-year-old made the move to the Gers from Sunderland during the summer on a free transfer. So far this campaign, he has made ten appearances in all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets. Allan McGregor, though, remains Steven Gerrard's number one shot-stopper.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips says he believes McLaughlin will wish he stayed with The Black Cats. He said:

"It is a tough one for McLaughlin.

"When a huge club like Rangers come calling it is very hard to turn them down but any player in his situation will know that he needs to be playing football.

"The Euros are fast approaching and he will think he has got an opportunity of getting into that squad. But he needs to play football to cement his place in Steve Clarke’s plans.

"I think he will have a slight regret because if he was at Sunderland he would of course be playing week in, week out.

"Come January he might try and get a loan move somewhere because he will want to play regular football to keep his place in that Scotland squad."

Long-term plus

Of course, McLaughlin would rather be playing every week than playing second fiddle to McGregor, who is 38 years old, and the back-up option has proven that he is more than reliable between the sticks. However, in the long-term, he should be happier north of the border than in Sunderland.

McGregor does not have too long left in his career, and you would guess that he may even think about hanging up his gloves if the Gers are successful this campaign in their quest for major silverware. McLaughlin should be in the Scotland squad irregardless of what happens this term, and he was always likely to be second choice for the Tartan Army behind David Marshall anyway. With Rangers, he has a real chance of winning trophies in the future, something that would not be the case in the north-east of England. Called "impressive" by Portsmouth's Jamal Lowe last season, he certainly has the ability to play a big role for Gerrard.

For McLaughlin, it is about biding his time and remaining patient. For that, he will most likely be rewarded.

In other news, Rangers eye move for this Champions League man.