Why Andy Firth can give Allan McGregor a good competition for a place in the team
According to the Scottish Sun, former Liverpool goalkeeper Andy Firth is wanted by Scottish outfit Rangers to fight for the starting spot.
Rangers are currently involved in what could turn out to be one of the closest title races in the history of the Scottish Premiership. Part of a 3-horse race involving Celtic and Kilmarnock as well, manager Steven Gerrard will have to pull out all the stops if they are to overcome current leaders Celtic.
Rangers are 3 points behind leaders Celtic in, who even have a game in hand over the chasing pack. Although this isn’t going to be an easy task for Rangers or Killie, there is still a large part of the season to go and if they’re able to consistently win football matches, then other results are eventually bound to go in their favour.
Gerrard has a fairly balanced squad available to him. With good players available in most positions and some excellent depth across the pitch as well, this team is pretty much ready to fight with the rivals for the top spot.
One position of slight concern for Steven Gerrard could be the important one of the goalkeeper. Allan McGregor has been their undisputed number one all campaign, having played 21 of the 22 games.
He is currently 36 years old and some solid competition for the first-team spot from someone other than the very average Wes Foderingham would be greatly beneficial to Rangers.
A young keeper with the potential to be first-choice for years to come would be the ideal choice. At the same time, he should also be able to challenge McGregor in terms of quality to ensure that the purpose is met.
During Steven Gerrard’s time as a player and coach at Liverpool, he encountered a young player who is currently playing his football at 5th division side, Barrow. Currently 22, Gerrard seems keen to bring the starlet to Glasgow to try and develop him into a top goalkeeper.
Formerly of Liverpool, Englishman Andy Firth is the man in question as reported by the Scottish Sun. Since he trained under Gerrard in the Anfield youth academy, the Rangers boss would know exactly what to expect when bringing the 22-year-old to Ibrox.
He is a tall keeper whose reach is impressive. His long hands and amazing stretching ability makes him a massive prospect. For a man of his stature, his reaction time and mobility are both quite enviable as well.
With Gerrard in the hunt for a new goalkeeper to cover for the ageing McGregor, bringing someone he has the experience of working with could end up being a masterstroke. As he plays for 5th division team Barrow, expect this transfer to be completed soon and at a massive bargain.