OPINION
When Rangers announced the return of former first team star Allan McGregor earlier this summer, there would have been many who would have thought it would be the end of Jak Alnwick’s career at the club.
The former Newcastle man was firmly second choice behind Wes Foderingham last season, only appearing when his counterpart was injured, and McGregor’s arrival at Ibrox is likely to have pushed him down to third choice and potentially out the exit door.
However, Gerrard, speaking to the Daily Record, has insisted that none of the current goalkeeping options are considered first choice, insisting they will be forced to battle it out for the place between the sticks: “They all see themselves as number ones and they have still got time to impress and stake their claim for number one.
” I know the three goalkeepers are desperate for that number one position. Certainly, one of them is not going to be happy in the coming weeks but that is life, there is nothing I can do about it.
“I am going to have to have a tough conversation with one of them in the coming weeks. Robby (McCrorie) is very young and he is in a great position where he can learn from the three of them.”
Judging by Gerrard’s comments, it seems as though one of Alnwick and Foderingham is destined for disappointment – with McGregor guaranteed to remain and youngster Robby McCrorie to act as third choice – and this really is the last chance saloon for the pair, the former certainly more in the firing line than his team mate.
With just 11 appearances under the belt of the 6’1” shot stopper, he lacks the experience that Foderingham brings, and it will be a real battle to convince Gerrard he is worthy of keeping his place in the team.
Still, he has been handed a surprise lifeline and if he wants to continue his career at the club then he will have to take it with both hands.