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.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."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."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."If you are playing at the highest level every week then you are going to be the guy who is going to play."Sunday is a day for players to make a name for themselves."Obviously a good performance will enhance Allan's chances."McCloy believes McGregor has recovered his form of last season when he began to put pressure on Gordon."He's playing better now, he's more focused," the former Motherwell keeper said."He looks more confident and has a better command of the box, something which he didn't have earlier in the season."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."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."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."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.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."It was the first time I had played in front of 100,000 people which was a big occasion for me."But the players will be used to Hampden on Sunday, they are all experienced."I wouldn't be surprised if it goes to penalties because I think it will go to extra time."I hope it is a classic game because the last two Old Firm games have been poor."

Source: Team_Talk