Ex-Rangers defender Alan Hutton firmly believes that the Bears should keep faith with Allan McGregor in goal despite some high-profile errors this season.

The 40-year-old was criticised for his part in Motherwell’s comeback from 2-0 down at the weekend, and many are keen for Jon McLaughlin to be given his chance as number one. However, Hutton insists that manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst must remain loyal to McGregor:

“People are just so quick to criticise. Yes, Jon McLaughlin has done well when he’s come in – but right now, Allan McGregor should be number one. That’s the way it should be until he decides to move on or retire.”

Hutton does appear to be protecting his former teammate somewhat with his comments. McGregor has made errors in more than one game this season and, with McLaughlin being such an able deputy, there are justifiable questions about who the first-choice keeper should be.

From the sound of things, it is doubtful van Bronckhorst will be swayed into dropping McGregor for the match against St Johnstone tomorrow night. The Dutchmen refused to blame his goalkeeper after the draw on Sunday, citing a “tactical issue” that played its part in the Gers dropping two points. Whether he will maintain that stance for the rest of the campaign, as Hutton expects, we shall have to wait and see.