Alan James McLaren (born 4 January 1971 in Edinburgh) is a former Scottish footballer who played for Heart of Midlothian and Rangers.

McLaren started his career with Hearts in 1987 and made over 180 appearances for the Tynecastle club. He moved to Rangers in 1994 in a £2m part-exchange deal, with Dave McPherson moving the opposite direction. He made his debut against Old Firm rivals Celtic in a 3–1 win at Hampden.

He was forced to retire from football in 1999 aged 27 due to injury, his final appearance for Rangers was as captain in a 1–0 win over Dundee United. This was the match that clinched Rangers' ninth League title in a row.

On March 2, 1999, Rangers played English club Middlesbrough in a testimonial match for McLaren at Ibrox in front of 49,468 spectators. McLaren scored a penalty in a 4–4 draw.

McLaren also won 24 caps for Scotland.

[edit] External links

• Alan McLaren career stats at Soccerbase
• Alan McLaren profile at scottishfa.co.uk

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