Allan McGregor insists his next aim is to win back the gloves at Rangers after agreeing a new five-year-deal.

A string of impressive performances both home and abroad last term prompted Ibrox bosses to secure the 26-year-old goalkeeper on a long-term contract.

The only blot on an otherwise excellent campaign was an ankle injury suffered at Celtic Park in April, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Neil Alexander proved to be a more than able replacement between the sticks, earning plaudits for his own displays in the latter stages of the UEFA Cup, Scottish Cup and title run-in.

McGregor is well aware that manager Walter Smith could now face a welcome headache ahead of the new season - but is determined to win back his place.

"At a club like this you are always going to face a challenge," he said.

"I've faced a challenge for 10 years and I don't expect that to change for the next five years.

"Neilly did well last season but I will be pushing to get a start."

McGregor may have missed several key games - including the UEFA Cup final - but refused to dwell on his injury woes, choosing instead to look ahead to the new season.

He added: "It was a disappointment but these things happen in football and you just have to get over it.

"Hopefully there will be even more games like that next season.

"Things are going well. I've been in for a few days now and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I should be back in full training."

McGregor was linked with a summer move to the Barclays Premier League, with Tottenham and Newcastle reported to be among his admirers, and he has welcomed the end of the speculation now that he has committed his future to Rangers.

He told Rangers World: "I don't know if any of it was true but it's good to get things settled and just get on with pre-season.

"I met the chairman [Sir David Murray] a couple of weeks ago and we had a chat about things.

"I think he realised I always wanted to stay at the club, especially after breaking through to the first team. So I'm delighted with the five years.

"I always wanted to stay here. I've been here for the whole of my career, apart from a couple of loan spells, and I think everyone knows this is the club I want to play for."

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