GRAEME SMITH hopes the return of Allan McGregor between the sticks will inspire Rangers to success in Steven Gerrard’s first season at Ibrox.

The keeper penned a two-year this summer as he clinched a move back to Glasgow after spells with Besiktas, Hull and Cardiff.

McGregor was handed the number one jersey by boss Gerrard at the start of the campaign as he immediately moved ahead of Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick in the pecking order.

And the 36-year-old has wasted little time in justifying Gerrard’s faith in him as he has turned in a string of superb performances in the opening weeks of the season.

The form of McGregor was crucial as Rangers overcame Shkupi, Osijek, Maribor and Ufa to secure a spot in the Europa League group stages this term.

And ex-Ibrox shot-stopper Smith is pleased to see his former team-mate back in Light Blue and proving his worth for Rangers once again.

Smith told SportTimes: “Allan has that winning mentality you need at Rangers from his first spell here and now he has come back at 36 he is more experienced as well.

“He knows the way he wants to work and how to look after his body and what he needs to do on a day to day basis to be the best he can be.

“He knows what he needs to be able to perform on a matchday and he has certainly been doing that so far. There are three games a week when you are in Europe and Allan has been really impressive and consistent so far.

“Some of the saves he has made already have been terrific. If you don’t lose goals, you don’t lose games and he is very hard to beat because he is a very high calibre goalkeeper.

“Between him and the other additions to the squad, there is a foundation there for the team and they will only get better together.

“He knows what the club is all about, the fans know what they are getting and the manager knows what he is getting.

“It is great to see him back at Rangers and I am sure he will continue that form throughout the season. If he does, hopefully it will be a successful one for the club.”