Van Bronckhorst says Rangers player with 'huge consistency' will definitely start cup final today

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Glasgow Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Ibrox second-choice goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin will start in the Scottish Cup final.

Allan McGregor’s back-up has played in every round of the competition this season so far.

The Rangers first-choice keeper is out of contract at the end of the campaign and his future is uncertain.

Saturday’s game with Hearts could potentially be his last chance to play for the Ibrox club.

However, Van Bronckhorst will not deny McLaughlin the opportunity to play in the Hampden Park showpiece.

“I have started Jon in the cup campaign this year,” the Dutchman told the Rangers website.

“He has done really well in all the games we played especially in the semi-final against Celtic.

“So for me it would be strange to change him.

“We gave him our confidence in the cup competitions so he will still have the confidence tomorrow from me and my staff.

“It is a difficult one because Allan of course is our number one goalkeeper.

“But he was very thoughtful and could totally understand that we are playing Jon in the cup competitions.

“So Allan will push Jon and will guide and support him tomorrow.”

McLaughlin joined Rangers in 2020 after leaving Sunderland, penning an initial two-year deal.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said at the time: “For the past seven seasons he has been present in almost every game, displaying a huge consistency of performance that is so important for a Rangers goalkeeper.”

In January this year, the Gers extended his contract until the summer of 2024.

McLaughlin has made 29 competitive appearances for the Ibrox side so far.