Kevin Phillips says 'the end is nigh' for Allan McGregor at Rangers, as a player at least. 

The lowdown

McGregor has been in and out of the team so far, with Steven Gerrard rotating his goalkeepers.

The 39-year-old has started both of Rangers' Europa League matches so far but has only been selected for three of their Scottish Premiership fixtures, with Jon McLaughlin playing four.

Clearly, the manager isn't confident enough in either to make them his clear no. 1.

McGregor came back to Rangers on a free transfer from Hull City in 2018, six years after he'd left.

In all, he's made 401 appearances for the club, keeping 186 clean sheets (via Transfermarkt).

His honours at Ibrox include four league titles, eight cups and the 2020/21 Player of the Season award.

The latest

Phillips says Rangers are easing McGregor out of the side and believes the time is right.

However, he did float the idea that the Scotsman could remain at the club in a different capacity as a coach.

"I think the end is nigh for him," he told Football Insider.

"I think maybe they’ve got one eye on the future, and it might not be with him between the sticks.

"His time at the club could be about to an end – he’s been a great servant for them.

"But I think it’s time to move on.

"Whether he hangs his gloves up, continues playing, or moves into a coaching role at the club, who knows?"

The verdict

It will certainly be interesting to see if Gerrard continues his current rotation over the course of the season.

While he might argue he's ensuring both 'keepers are on their toes, the chopping and changing can unsettle the team. It's important to have an established unit protecting the goal.

McGregor's contract is up at the end of the season, by which point he'll have turned 40, so Phillips may be right. It may be a sensible moment to call a halt to his playing career, and what better place to do it than at Ibrox.

In other news, this development had Rangers fans buzzing.