ALLAN McGregor's route to a first-team jersey was a long and winding one but the keeper's patience was rewarded when he finally established himself as Rangers' number one in season 2006/07.

When Allan arrived at Rangers in the summer of 1998 he was described as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe.

However, a serious wrist injury sustained during a youth match followed by a broken hand almost destroyed his dreams as he was sidelined for nearly a year.

Having been handed his first top team appearance in the Scottish Cup, coming on after 70 minutes to replace Stefan Klos against Forfar in February 2002, he was then awarded his first start against Dunfermline in the final game of that season.

Loan spells with St Johnstone and Dunfermline in the 04/05 and 05/06 seasons respectively saw McGregor gather valuable first team experience and he returned to challenge Lionel Letizi to be No.1 at Ibrox.

He was in and out of the team as the season opened before Paul Le Guen settled on the Scot as his first choice between the sticks.

Walter Smith then kept faith with McGregor on his return in January 2007 and the Edinburgh born shot stopper enjoyed a hugely impressive season in 2007/08 that saw him save twice in the League Cup shoot-out to help him earn his first medal as No.1.

However an injury sustained at Celtic Park saw him lose his place to Neil Alexander for a season run in that involved finals in the UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup.

He was rewarded for a fantastic season when he signed a new five year deal with the club in the summer of 2008.

McGregor returned to the first team for the opening of the 2008/09 season and after a brief blip that again allowed Alexander in, he reclaimed his spot as Smith's first choice.

A disciplinary breach on Scotland duty again saw McGregor drop out of the team and he was on the sidelines for the season climax in 2008/09 as Rangers completed a domestic double with Alexander in goal.