Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has discussed the exit of goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, who has completed a move to Rangers.
Failure to gain promotion to the Championship this summer has seen Sunderland miss out for a second successive season and the pressure will firmly be on boss Phil Parkinson to ensure he has a squad capable of returning to England’s second flight next term.
The Black Cats’ are expected to make a whole host of changes through the summer months and one of those will now be to find a replacement for McLaughlin, who has penned a deal with Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
Making a move to join Steven Gerrard’s side, the Scottish ‘keeper will now add back-up to current number one Allan McGregor, and Phillips believes the Scottish side have got themselves a ‘great signing’.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “Steven is delighted to have signed him.
“He’s got experience in Scotland and he has the experience of playing in big games in England like the Play Off final and the EFL Trophy final. He has big game experience and every time Rangers play they are under pressure.
“A great addition to the squad because he will put pressure on McGregor. If McGregor gets injured McLaughlin will come in and do just as good a job.
“I think it is a great signing from Stevie.”
Looking to find a replacement for McLaughlin, Sunderland have been linked with former stopper Ben Alnwick in the last few days.
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The 33-year-old, who has also appeared during his career for Peterborough United and most recently Bolton Wanderers, is now on the club’s radar, according to journalist Alan Dixon.
McLaughlin’s exit has been a real kick in the teeth for Sunderland but the club has to be criticised for allowing the ‘keeper among other players to see their current deals expire.
A replacement for the £293k-valued shot stopper must now be found and it must be one that will hold down the number one spot at the club for the foreseeable.
Do you think McLaughlin can go on and become a regular for Rangers? Let us know in the comments section below…
