McGregor feels in fine form

McGregor: Happy with displays

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Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor feels he is returning to his best form and has now learned his international exile could soon be over.

The Ibrox No.1 has not featured for Scotland after being banned from representing his country in the wake of the 'Boozegate' affair.

But with former manager George Burley sacked on Monday, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has confirmed the new boss will have no restrictions on selection.

Speaking before Smith's announcement, McGregor told Rangers News: "I feel good right now and I don't think I've missed a day's training since pre-season so, touch wood, that will continue.

"In the past few months, I have been working really hard and trying to keep my head down and it has paid off.

"Hopefully, I am now getting back to my best and it's always nice when people say you are playing well.

"But I know I need to keep going and not let my standards slip. That is always the challenge when you are at a club like Rangers, not just for me but for every player."

Focus

Manager Walter Smith believes McGregor's ban - imposed for giving V-signs during Scotland's World Cup qualifier with Iceland in April when he was dropped to the bench after a late-night drinking session - actually did the player some good.

He said: "Allan is back to where he was in my first season here, playing exceptionally well.

"Since his mistake with Scotland, he has been superb in his approach to training and games.

"He now has a proper focus on what's important to him in life. If anything, what happened with the national team has forced him into that situation.

"The incident made him realise that football is what he has to concentrate on. From Rangers' point of view, he's back to his best."