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McGregor has impressed Rangers supporters this season

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor has signed a new deal that will keep him at Ibrox until 2009 and vowed to take the first-team jersey from Lionel Letizi.

Left-back Stevie Smith also signed an extension, his being until 2010.

But McGregor had appeared poised to move after Letizi came back into the side despite the Scot's good displays.

"Obviously I want to play and I want to be Rangers' number one," said McGregor. "I feel as if I can do that and that's why I signed the deal."

The 24-year-old had five shut-outs in eight matches during Letizi's injury and sought advice from Rangers' goalkeeping coach.

"I had been thinking about the situation all week and I also talked to a lot of people - including Billy Thompson and the manager - before I made my decision," he told Rangers' website.

	Our priority is to have stability and it is important to keep our best young players, which is why I am happy

"When the manager tells me that it is good for me and good for him that I stay then I feel it is the right thing.

"I'm glad I had that run of games because hopefully I have shown the manager, the fans and everyone else involved that I can do the job.

"I love this place. I have been here a long time, but I'm delighted to stay."

Manager Paul Le Guen said: "We have reached an agreement with Allan until 2009 and I am very happy with that."

The 21-year-old Smith, who has been close to a Scotland call-up after becoming a first-team regular with Rangers, also put pen to paper on Friday.

"Our priority is to have stability and it is important to keep our best young players, which is why I am happy," said Le Guen.

Now Le Guen has set his sights on retaining winger Chris Burke, who will be free to speak to other clubs from 1 January.

"We will carry on discussions with Chris and we hope we can get an agreement," he added while recognising that the Scotland international will be free to sign for another club in January.

"Yes, I am worried, but that is the rule and I accept that.

"We want him to re-sign, but it is up to him."

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