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Steven Gerrard praised Allan McGregor after his man-of-the-match performance helped the Rangers to a 1-0 win over 10-man Celtic, extending their title lead to 19 points.
The 39-year-old veteran goalkeeper at the end of the month was at his best in the early stages at Ibrox when the Hoops dominated with a particular save from Leigh Griffiths, when he took a shot to the post and behind, especially impressive.
Celtic substitute captain Callum McGregor put the ball into his own net just seven minutes after Nir Bitton was sent off after the break for a ‘last man’ tackle on Alfredo Morelos to put the Light Blues within 19 points of advantage over Parkhead. despite having played three more games.
Gers boss Gerrard said of McGregor: “I was delighted with him. He got the man of the match and it was fully deserved.
“A couple of saves in the first half were world class.
“We talk a lot about him after the big games, he tells his own story. You’re talking about a club legend, a phenomenal goalkeeper.
“It’s a shame that he’s almost as old as I am, because I’d love for him to be my guardian for many, many more years.
“That is what goalkeepers should do, they need to help you win great football matches. I am very proud of their performance today.”
Gerrard credited Celtic with all the points from their games as he analyzed the afternoon and the title race.
He said: “My reaction to the victory is that I am very proud, very happy and satisfied with the three important points. Extend our lead to 10 points from what is.
“Today we played a really good team. Celtic were excellent for the first 45 minutes, we really had trouble getting a foot in the game.
“There was a significant improvement in us from the break to the red card.
“These games are about great moments. Celtic has seriously screwed up one and we have capitalized on it and won the game.
“You don’t always get what your performance deserves from this game. We know that more than most. So winning and not being at our best is a very positive thing for me.
“People will not remember the performance or what happened in the game in the next few months.
“The teams will keep trying to beat us. But we have to keep being ourselves.”
“I don’t see many people stopping me on the street and telling me how good we were in the League Cup final last season, which we never got anything from. So it’s about the result at the end of the day.”
Gerrard is aware that many people will believe that the Rangers will use their advantage.
He said, “I would be a liar if I said we are not going to notice that. Before this game, we were aware of noise.
“But it’s my job to protect my players and we’re not going to gain anything or gain an advantage if we hear the noise and get involved in playing with it.
“We need to keep a group together and keep doing the right things.
“We know it is going to be difficult. The teams will keep trying to beat us. But we have to keep being ourselves.”
“Everything we have done this season has put us in this position and we have to keep fighting to stay there.”
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