Source: Team_Talk
McCloy: McGregor can be number one
Scotland coach George Burley, who will select his squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Holland and Iceland next week, has expressed his concern that Craig Gordon is being kept on the bench at Sunderland.[LNB]And former Ibrox goalkeeper Peter McCloy, who won four League Cup medals in a 351-game career which spanned the 1970s and 80s, believes the Ibrox man could move in to pole position if he turns in a good performance in the showpiece occasion at Hampden.[LNB]"It is a difficult one for George because Allan is playing at a high level every week whereas Craig isn't at this moment in time," McCloy said.[LNB]"Craig hasn't let Scotland down but if Allan is playing well then it will put a lot of onus on George to pick him.[LNB]"If you are playing at the highest level every week then you are going to be the guy who is going to play.[LNB]"Sunday is a day for players to make a name for themselves.[LNB]"Obviously a good performance will enhance Allan's chances."[LNB]McCloy believes McGregor has recovered his form of last season when he began to put pressure on Gordon.[LNB]"He's playing better now, he's more focused," the former Motherwell keeper said.[LNB]"He looks more confident and has a better command of the box, something which he didn't have earlier in the season.[LNB]"He got a bad injury which led to him missing the UEFA Cup final last season which was a pity because he had a good season.[LNB]"Maybe he came back too quickly, or maybe he wasn't focused with things off the pitch, I don't know, but I think he has got his act together and is playing well.[LNB]"He's just 27 and should be at his peak and if he wants the international spot then Sunday is a big chance for him."[LNB]McCloy believes the Old Firm players, who were castigated for the quality of play in the 0-0 draw the last time the sides met in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, will not be able to use the occasion as an excuse for another poor derby game.[LNB]He said: "My first experience of an Old Firm final was a League Cup final back in 1970 when Derek Johnstone scored the winner with a header.[LNB]"It was the first time I had played in front of 100,000 people which was a big occasion for me.[LNB]"But the players will be used to Hampden on Sunday, they are all experienced.[LNB]"I wouldn't be surprised if it goes to penalties because I think it will go to extra time.[LNB]"I hope it is a classic game because the last two Old Firm games have been poor."[LNB][LNB]
