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Spotlight: Rangers keeper Allan McGregor

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor has signed a new five-year contract with Rangers following speculation about his future with the Glasgow club.

The 26-year-old told Rangers' website: "I met the chairman a couple of weeks ago and I think he realised I always wanted to stay at the club.

"I'm delighted with the five-year deal. It's good to get it settled."

And a happy Rangers manager Walter Smith said: "He had a great season last year before his injury."

McGregor missed the conclusion to the Scottish Premier League season, the Scottish Cup final and the Uefa Cup final after picking up an ankle injury in April.

However, his form prior to the injury has led to him being linked with clubs in the English Premier League during the close season.

"To miss those matches at the end of the season was a disappointment, but these things happen in football and you just have to get over it," he said.

"But, hopefully there will be even more games like that next season.

While receiving treatment for the ankle injury, club physios discovered that McGregor required a minor knee operation, from which he his now recuperating.

"Things are going well. I've been at Murray Park for a few days now, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I should be back in full training."

After spending several years on the bench at Rangers, McGregor had looked likely to leave Ibrox.

But he established himself as first choice after returning from spending the 2005-6 season on loan with Dunfermline Athletic.

"I always wanted to stay here," said McGregor.

"I've been here for the whole of my career, apart from a couple of loan spells, and I think everyone knows this is the club I want to play for," he explained.

And his boss was full of praise for the goalkeeper's persistence in his quest to become the Ibrox number one.

"He's come through the youth ranks at the club and is now an established first-team star and that's testament to his hard work and ability," said Smith.