JAK ALNWICK has hailed Rangers keeper Allan McGregor as the 'best of a generation' as he prepares to go head-to-head with the Ibrox legend.

Alnwick and McGregor spent time training together during the early days of Steven Gerrard's reign as manager before the Englishman headed out on loan to Scunthorpe three seasons ago.

The arrival of the former Scotland shot-stopper played a part in Alnwick leaving Ibrox and he would spend time at Blackpool before joining St Mirren last summer.

McGregor played an integral role in helping Gerrard's side clinch a 55th league flag and is likely to get the nod in Paisley this afternoon as the champions eye a crucial Premiership victory.

Alnwick told Herald and Times Sport: "You have got to say that he is definitely the best, and probably the best of a generation.

"He made a mistake for the goal against Hearts last weekend, but that is probably his first mistake in a Rangers shirt for over 100 games. That shows how good he is.

"Off the back of that, he goes and keeps a clean sheet in Europe on Thursday night. There is nothing but massive, massive respect for Greegsy.

"I am not sure that I will still be playing at his age, never mind be at the level that he is doing it at. It is a credit to him.

"We will see whether he or Jon McLaughlin plays, I know they have rotated both and they both top, top goalkeepers.

"Greegsy has proven himself again coming back to the club. It was always a risk coming back having been such a legend.

"Sometimes it might not work out as people think but he has taken it on to another level. If I have half the career that he has had, I will be happy with that."