Allan McGregor
Red Star Belgrade came up against an inspired Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal

Allan McGregor is proving to be the difference for Rangers at the highest level.

This term has seen a number of rare mistakes that have cast some doubt over the place of the Ibrox goalkeeper in the side and whether his 21-year career is drawing to a natural conclusion.

The veteran former Scotland international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, highlighted his importance again with a stunning display in Thursday's win over Red Star Belgrade.

The numbers behind the season of McGregor are looked at by the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation.

'Wonderful. Outstanding. Amazing'

After the game, Van Bronckhorst suggested that Rangers might have been flattered by the score.

The game was decided by fine margins, with Red Star's free- scoring forward Aleksandar Katai denied from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.

The complexion of the tie could have changed dramatically if Katai had found the back of the net. The clean sheet was intact, as McGregor threw himself low to his right and denied the forward with a strong wrist.

Sportsound pundit Leanne Crichton said the save was wonderful.

Van Bronckhorst said it was amazing.

Alex Rae, a former Rangers player, said that the 40-year-old came to Rangers' rescue again.

In the second period, Red Star tried to get back in the game, but a fine reaction stop prevented Mirko Ivanic from finding the bottom-right corner.

What do the numbers tell us?

Allan McGregor

There have been uncharacteristic errors made on the domestic front, with a fumbled cross at home to Hearts earlier in the season and two recent mistakes at Ross County resulting in dropped points.

The Rangers keeper has shipped nine more goals than he did in the whole of last season, and his save percentage has gone down as a result.

The 40-year-old, who is enjoying a better season individually than last year, has averaged a goal concession every 90 minutes in comparison to every 54 minutes last term.

The manager didn't have a decision to make. He showed that with a great save with the penalty.

I am very pleased for Allan, he is part of the team, we win and we lose together. I have full confidence in him and my squad.

'Incredible to think people wanted him dropped' - analysis

Charlie Adam is a former Rangers player.

He had a lot of criticism last week. It was a great penalty and a great save. There was a moment when McGregor saved Rangers. He has done it again.

Richard Foster is a former Rangers defender.

It's amazing that people wanted him dropped a couple of weeks ago. He can afford himself the liberty of waiting because his reactions are so sharp.