The 30-year-old was chuffed when his hero returned to his coaching role and reckons the Ibrox Hall of Famer is "one of the most dedicated professionals you'll ever see"

Kelly a new two-year contract extension and admits there was never any hesitation when the opportunity arose to remain at the club where he began his football journey before stints with Livingston, QPR and Motherwell.

Now part of a goalkeeping group overseen by former Rangers captain McGregor, Kelly is full of praise for both his goalkeeping idol and summer signing Ivor Pandur.

Speaking to RYDC, he said: "We've got a really strong and competitive goalkeeping department headed up by Allan, and that pushes us all to improve every day. .It's certainly an environment I enjoy being part of. It's great to be at Rangers and to work with Greegree and Ivor every day in training.

"Ivor is a perfect guy, and he's done so well for the team since he joined us. Obviously, I want to play games as well, so hopefully we can have a good battle to see who starts. We all just want to do our best for the team, and we can both learn from someone like Allan, who achieved so much as a player here and had a top-class career."

Kelly was especially glowing in his praise of McGregor's character and professionalism, describing him as one of the finest role models any player could wish to work with.

He added: "It's amazing to work with him, it really is. He's such a calm guy and a total pro. He's one of the most dedicated professionals you'll ever see. He has so much experience and I absolutely love working with him. We all do.

"He has so much knowledge that he can pass on, and he's also a great person as well. I was delighted when he came back."

Kelly's decision to sign a new deal before Scotland's World Cup campaign reflected his commitment to the club and his belief in the direction Rangers are heading under manager Derek McInnes.

The goalkeeper has made 16 appearances across the past two seasons, often captaining the side when called upon, and remains determined to challenge current first-choice goalkeeper Pandur for the No.1 jersey.

Despite the competition, Kelly is focused on helping Rangers achieve success and deliver silverware for supporters.

He added: "I was delighted to extend my stay at Rangers in the summer I've been here for so much of my life, as an Academy player and now as part of the first-team squad.

"Coming back to the club has been a special experience and I love being here. It's exciting to commit to what the club is desperate to achieve, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work as hard as I can with my teammates.

"We will all do our utmost to create special memories for our fans in the years ahead."

For Kelly, remaining at Rangers was an easy choice. And with McGregor now helping shape the club's next generation from the training ground, the Scotland international believes there is every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead - for club and country.

And he was quick to praise fellow Rangers academy graduate Findlay Curtis who he is backing to become a true star for club and country.

He added: “I know what this club means, and I was excited to return for pre-season after an unbelievable experience with Scotland at the World Cup. It was incredible and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Beating Haiti in Boston in our first game was a memory that will live with me forever. It was a great experience and a difficult game, so I was just glad that we managed to get the victory.

“We wanted to get through the group and ultimately never managed to do that, but that’s life as a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t, but I was just so grateful to be part of that whole experience with that group of people.

“Findlay Curtis was with me too, and he totally earned his place in the squad after a positive loan move to Kilmarnock in the second half of last season. He grafted for his place, he’s such a hard worker, and he’s a great boy too. He’s brilliant to have in the Scotland squad and back here at Rangers.

“It wasn’t through luck. He wasn’t just handed anything. He worked so hard and I’m so pleased for him. Hopefully he can keep progressing and make an impact for Rangers this season in terms of goals and assists.

“I’m sure he’s got a huge role to play this season and for many years at Rangers now. He’s done us all proud, and he’s done everyone proud at the Rangers Academy.

“I was proud of my own youth journey here and Findlay has progressed so well. He’s an impact player, and I’m delighted to see him doing so well. The team has really improved in recent weeks and the gaffer and his staff have done a great job. The gaffer is a leader, you can feel that when you meet him, and he’s got that presence about him as well."