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Woods sees a place in big league for McGregor
Ex Goalkeeper Chris Woods believes that Allan McGregor has what it takes to prove himself in thePremier League.
The former Rangers keeper knows only too well the feeling of lifting silverware at Ibrox, reckons Greegs would find it hard to turn his back on Walter Smith’s side if the big boys came calling.
Woods has been highly impressed with the shot-stopper’s displays this season as Smith’s side continue to edge closer to a domestic Treble.
He made some vital stops at Rugby Park on Tuesday night, the pick of the bunch a point-blank save from Mehdi Taouil in the first-half, as Rangers increased their lead over Old Firm rivals Celtic thanks to a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.
Those displays have been credited, along with a rock solid defence, as a key factor behind the Light Blue’s success so far this season.
Woods, now the goalkeeping coach at Everton, certainly likes what he has seen of the Gers No.1.
He said: “I watch Rangers games on TV when I can, and you always see bits and pieces of matches anyway.
“And what I can say is I’ve been impressed with Allan’s performances. He has everything you would really look for in a goalkeeper.
“And when you have someone of his quality playing at the top of their game, then it is a major bonus for any team.
“One of the great things about Allan is he has that ability to pull off big, big saves in matches where he maybe only has one thing to do.
“So that proves his concentration levels are extremely high.
“I can recall my own playing days at Rangers and you’d maybe only be required to make one or two saves during certain matches.
“It can be difficult when you are going long spells without anything to do.
“You have to remain focused and he certainly manages to do just that.
“He is also good at organised his defence and communicating with his team-mates, is sharp in and around the six yard box and he isn’t afraid to come for crosses.
“So he certainly has a lot going for him and I certainly don’t see any reason why he couldn’t play in England or anywhere else for that matter.
“He has played in the Champions League with Rangers so you don’t get any higher a level than that.”
The Englishman, though, can say from first-hand experience that it would take a lot for any player to leave the gates of Ibrox behind.
He said: “Rangers are a massive club and have an opportunity of winning silverware every season.
“And, providing they win the league championship, there is also the possibility of playing in the Champions League.
“The fans are also unbelievable. For some players, they don’t want to give up on that so it is a big decision for anyone to decide to leave.”
Aside from his considerable all-round abilities, Woods also believes that having Neil Alexander as back-up might be a factor in keeping McGregor at the top of his game.
He added: “Some players don’t cope very well with having competition for a jersey and others thrive on it.
“Competition can be good if it brings out the best in players and maybe that is the case with Allan.
“Neil Alexander is an experienced goalkeeper who has also performed well when he has been called upon.
“For a manager, that is a great comfort and I’m sure Walter Smith is delighted to have the two guys to call upon.”
McGregor’s return to the Scotland set-up was delayed after new manager Craig Levein decided to leave him out of his squad after an incident in his private life.
But he is expected to return to the squad for the next match against Sweden and Woods feels that is good news for Scotland.
He said: “You want all your best players available for selection and Allan is obviously one of the best goalkeepers available to Scotland.
“Every player wants to play at the highest level possible and I’m sure Allan would love to represent his country in the future.
“If he keeps performing as well as he is, then I don’t see any reason why he can’t.”
Hennessey Fears Wolves Exit
Wayne Hennessey fears he may have to quit Molineux if he wants to be Wales’ No 1 for the Euro 2012 campaign.
The Wolves goalkeeper is keeping the bench warm for the Premier League strugglers after being axed by boss Mick McCarthy in November.
Anglesey boy Hennessey has been Wales boss John Toshack’s first-choice shot-stopper for three years.
But the 6ft 5in Welshman admits he is in danger of losing his place to Hull hero Boaz Myhill if he remains frozen out at Wolves.
Myhill started the 1-0 friendly defeat against Sweden earlier this month and is favourite to wear the No 1 shirt for the Euro 2012 opener in September.
Hennessey, who has two years left on his Wolves contract, said: “John Toshack isn’t going to pick me because I’m not playing.
“I can understand that. If I was in his position, I would do the same thing. I would pick the goalkeeper who is playing and right now that’s Boaz.
“I’ve got a contract with Wolves until 2012 and I haven’t asked for a transfer. If things are going well then I’d be delighted to stay – but I need to be playing.
“I’ll only get the chance to play for Wales if I’m playing for my club and that’s not happening.”
Hennessey played the second half against Sweden but has not made a Premier League appearance since the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea nearly four months ago.
He added: “The last couple of months have been very tough.
“I’m not getting any action at Wolves. I’m just sitting on the bench all the time.
“I doubt I’ll be Wales No 1 for the next campaign if things don’t change.”
Hennessey turned 23 in January but has already won 24 caps. But he is wondering how many more he will collect after getting the chop at Molineux.
Hennessey began the season as McCarthy’s No 1 and he made his 100th senior outing for the club at Stoke in October.
However, after conceding eight goals in two games, McCarthy replaced him with 37-year-old Marcus Hahnemann. Hennessey said: “I was a bit upset when I found out. I did not have a clue it was going to happen.
“I thought I was doing well. In a couple of games, I thought I had the kept the team in it.
“I did speak to Mick McCarthy about being left out. I didn’t have a go and we haven’t rowed.
“He’s the main man so you’ve just got to take it and get on with things. Whatever he says, you’ve got to take it.
“Marcus has got a lot of experience and he’s talked a lot to me since he came to Wolves last summer.
“I’m still young so he’s been a big help. We get on really well.
“You’re going to get ups and downs in your career and this season is a down for me.
“It’s a case of having to work hard and do well in training.
“If the gaffer gives me a chance to shine then I’ve got to show him I’m good enough to stay in the team.
“It’s been a hard few months but hopefully I can get back on the ladder.”
Villa line up United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak
Reports in this mornings paper sudggest that Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Tall Pole wants more games and it’s today been report in the Sport Mail that Villa want competition for 39- year-old Brad Friedel.
The 27-year-old stopper has made less than 30 Premier League appearances for United since joining in the summer of 2006.
‘I have waited for four years and I enjoy my time here, but maybe I need to change it.’
Tomas kuszczak wears Adidas Goalkeeper Gloves
The Goalkeeper Product Show the final episode
In this weeks show the (new) Nike T90 Gunn Cut (white black red) the Adi Pro as well as a testing session with the Adidas Response Fingertip (white silver) andReusch Magno Pro M1 Special (black white) and a product preview of the Reusch Magno M1 Bundesliga
The Goalkeeper Product show has been new by great-save.com. This series is broke into 3 episodes,the series shows off all the latest new goalkeeper products from Jan 2010 – March 2010. With so many new products since the start of the year we have put together this 3 part show to bring you upto date with all the latest products from the goalkeeping market place.
Hosted by great-save.com’s very own Martin Sanders, Martin will be showing of some of the most exciting new goalkeeper gloves that have just been released as well as a sneak peak at products that will be released later in the year.
This is the final show from this series
Celebrating 10 years of Uhlsport Fangmaschine
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The easiest option: Just give it a try
For more visit http://www.uhlsport.com/en/active/10-years-of-fangmaschine.html
“The Goalkeeper Product Show” episode 2
The Goalkeeper Product show is a new by great-save.com. This series is broke into 3 episodes,the series shows off all the latest new goalkeeper products from Jan 2010 – March 2010. With so many new products since the start of the year we have put together this 3 part show to bring you upto date with all the latest products from the goalkeeping market place.
Hosted by great-save.com’s very own Martin Sanders, Martin will be showing of some of the most exciting new goalkeeper gloves that have just been released as well as a sneak peak at products that will be released later in the year.
Hart targets NO 1 spot
Joe Hart has been chatting about his England chances in the build up to this week Friendly game against Egypt.
The Manchester City Goalkeeper who is on loan at Birmingham has told the Daily Express he has every intention of becoming England’s No.1 and is determined to make this summer’s World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old keeper has just one cap to his name at present, having been given an opportunity to impress during a friendly fixture with Trinidad & Tobago in June 2008.
He has been in and out of the fold since then, unable to cement himself in Fabio Capello’s long-term plans.
While out on loan this season at Birmingham Hart has put in some eye-catching displays throughout the campaign.
“I’m not England’s No.1 goalkeeper, but that’s the target,” Hart said in the Daily Express.
“Whatever comes with it I can cope. If I couldn’t, I wouldn’t be talking about it.
“I’m not saying I’ve had people against me, but my age does go against me some times.
“Stuff you do goes against you – you’ve just got to look at Jamo [David James]. He’s had everything thrown at him, I don’t think he can have any more thrown at him.
“But it doesn’t faze the guy. He’s been absolutely brilliant. That’s the kind of person you’ve got to look at.”
“Just to be involved with England, means the world to me, but the World Cup is something different,” he added.
“Being in the normal squad, seeing how these superstars do it – and they are superstars, great players – just to see how they go about things, how people prepare themselves really does help.
“Being at the World Cup and not playing, like Theo Walcott last time, that wouldn’t be a disappointment for me. To be picked in that elite 23 would mean everything.
“I’ll work every day to be involved in it. If I’m not picked I can look back at my season and think I gave everything, no regrets.”
Watch the first of our new Goalkeeper Product Preview Videos.
Watch the first of our new Goalkeeper Product Preview Videos. This week featuring the new Puma PowerCat Series.
The Goalkeeper Product show is a new by great-save.com. This series is broke into 3 episodes,the series shows off all the latest new goalkeeper products from Jan 2010 – March 2010. With so many new products since the start of the year we have put together this 3 part show to bring you upto date with all the latest products from the goalkeeping market place.
Hosted by great-save.com’s very own Martin Sanders, Martin will be showing of some of the most exciting new goalkeeper gloves that have just been released as well as a sneak peak at products that will be released later in the year.
This week Martin takes a looks at the brand new Puma power cat series.
Log-on to www.blog.great-save.com next Friday the (5th March) for Episode 2.
