Lee McCulloch has admitted that he is surprised that Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor has retired from international duty with Scotland.
The 37-year-old star decided to retire from playing for his country earlier in the week, and McCulloch says that this decision is a major blow for the team as he still “has so much to offer”.
He thinks that the veteran keeper is in great form for the Gers, and he adds that McGregor deciding to hang up his boots for Scotland shows just how dedicated he is to his club – but then said that he understands why he had to undertake such a choice.
“I was surprised that Allan McGregor decided to retire from Scotland duty while he was on 43 caps and therefore just seven international appearances short of a place in the Scottish FA Hall of Fame,” he said in his Evening Times column.
“I have no doubt that he would have reached 50 games and earned that accolade because he is still fine, still in terrific form and still has so much to offer.
“It is a chance for someone else to come in and make the jersey their own, but it is a real blow. I thought he would have stayed on to get 50 caps, but that just shows how much Rangers means to him. It will prolong his career. At his age, his body will need a rest and in that regard I can see that the decision makes perfect sense for Allan personally.”
OPINION
It is not a surprise that McCulloch is shocked by McGregor’s decision. There is without a shadow of a doubt that he is Scotland’s best keeper, but at his age, it was wise to of him to put his club first. Rangers need him to be at this best, and that will definitely happen now that he is not putting his energy into performing well for Scotland as well. McCulloch is right – he does have a lot to offer still, but him making way allows younger keepers to have their shot of international fame. There had to be a time where he had to retire in order to let the younger generation filter throught for Scotland – and now could not be a better time. Yes, it may be a blow to Alex McLeish that he has retired, but he can rest easy knowing that he has some great shot-stoppers coming through the ranks.