AROUND THE GROUNDS

Rangers' in-form keeper tells FFT he has his sights set on a Three Lions recall

- Ben Mountain

You joined Rangers in June 2023 after a loan spell from Crystal Palace to Manchester United. What enticed you away from the Premier League?

I had a wicked time at Palace – good people, great club – but it was about playing time. The club had signed Sam Johnstone, Vicente Guaita was in and out with injury, and I couldn’t do anything about it because I had a broken hand. The opportunity to join Manchester United came about in the summer and it seemed too big to turn down – this was the club I’d supported from a very, very young age. All it did was fuel my ambition to go and play. Near the end of that season, I wanted to take control of my future; to go somewhere and achieve something. That’s where Rangers came in.

When did you first hear from them?

People say there were possibilities years before, but that wasn’t the case. I always respected Rangers greatly and only heard fantastic things about the club, but it wasn’t until the end of that season that I spoke to [then-manager] Michael Beale to hear what the club was really about. I watched several games on TV and something clicked. I thought, ‘This is a very special place’.

Did club legend Allan McGregor give any advice when you replaced him?

You either have it or you don’t, and Allan had it from a young age. He was a hard, steely character, and on top of that he was a brilliant goalkeeper. He rose to the occasion and knew what it meant to play for Rangers. We had a moment at his testimonial where we shared words as I gave him a hug to change places. He said, “This is what it’s like to play for Rangers. It can get much better, too. It’s your time now.”

Was it a shock when Rangers sacked Beale shortly after you had arrived?