NEIL ALEXANDER knows how difficult a decision it was for Allan McGregor to leave Rangers. And he understands just what it would mean for the keeper to inspire Steven Gerrard’s side to silverware success this season.

There are a handful of players in Gerrard’s squad that have had more praise and made more headlines than McGregor this term. Few, though, have been as consistently impressive than the 37-year-old.

In the big moments in the big games, McGregor has typically risen to the occasion as he has rolled back the years during his second stint at Ibrox.

He signed off first time around on the back of a title win. Now, silverware is in his sights again.

“He has been absolutely immense, but that is Allan,” Alexander said of his former Light Blues team-mate. “I imagine Allan would have been disappointed how things turned out and he probably should never have left either.

“If the club hadn’t been in administration, I think Allan would have been at the club for the whole time he was away. But Allan is a top, top keeper and I knew he would hit the ground running here and he feels back home, feels comfortable, he is around his family and he has fitted right back in.

“He has been outstanding and the goalkeeper that I know. He is a top, top guy and a top goalkeeper and he is deserving of the new contract that I hope he gets signed and sealed soon.

“He has been one of Rangers’ best players, he has been outstanding, and it is great to see him back. He is a really good friend of mine and I am absolutely delighted for him.”

The return of McGregor was, as Gerrard said last term, a no-brainer for Rangers and the former Scotland international has lived up to expectations between the sticks.

McGregor will trigger a clause in his deal that will extend his contract beyond the summer in the coming months and Alexander is confident there is plenty more to come from the Ibrox number one.

He told the FourLadsHadADream Podcast: “If there were any doubters out there, he has definitely proved them wrong and he has been very consistent.

“He obviously has his mad moments, which Allan does now and then, but that is just part of the character of Allan. When you get the brilliant saves, sometimes you have to come across the moments of madness. That is Allan.

“He has probably been one of the most consistent players for Rangers and definitely I think he has still got another couple of years left in him.

“He is at a great age where he is full of experience, he knows the game and he knows how to play the big games. He is a great character have around the dressing room and he gives a vast wealth of experience to all the boys who are new to the club and maybe don’t realise how important it is to be at Rangers and what is expected.

“Greegsy will be there telling them and he has got very high standards and he doesn’t let anyone in front of him drop those standards. He is a great player to have around, a top goalie and I think he can be for the next two or three years as well.”

The lure of silverware was what prompted McGregor to join Gerrard’s side. Having been left empty-handed last term, it is an ambition Alexander reckons they can achieve second time around.

He said: “I do fancy them. They have been very consistent, they are looking very dominant and are scoring a lot of goals. They are keeping plenty of clean sheets so things are looking good.

“But I think they are definitely going to give Celtic a run for their money and it is going to be really tight this year. Being in the cup final, there is the first chance to get silverware.

“The league is the big one and they have given themselves a great chance. It is going to be a really exciting run in and I am desperate for them to win something, hopefully the league, this year and maybe a cup. That would be great.”