BBC Scotland pundit wowed by ‘wonderful’ Jack Butland despite Rangers defeat v Celtic
Jack Butland’s early second-half save which kept Rangers with just a one-goal deficit was “wonderful”, according to Neil McCann.
On BBC Sport’s live reporting blog (3 September, 13:12 pm), the former Rangers winger and pundit praised the Englishman’s save, which saw his outstretched diving save with his right-hand tip Liel Abada’s whipped effort from inside the box.
The Gers found themselves trailing in the 50th minute, but Butland’s save proved significant in keeping them in the clash.
McCann said: “What a wonderful right hand from Butland. That ought to be a corner.”
Rangers went on to lose 1-0 at Ibrox on Sunday.
Key moment
Key moments can often make or break a side’s chance of winning a game, especially high-pressure clashes like Sunday afternoon’s (3 September) Old Firm.
Butland had been strong throughout the game and already made key saves up until this point. However, this was the pick of the bunch and the gasp of relief was heard ringing across Ibrox after the ball was clear.
Even more impressively, Butland tipped the ball out while Daizen Maeda was lurking to in the box to latch onto any spilled saves.
The Japanese international was inches away from getting the ball into the back of the net with a sliding attempt. However. the disappointment was clear on Maeda’s face as he made his way out of the goal, but Butland managed to keep the score down for his side.
Butland has been a strong performer for Michael Beale across the season so far, but big moments in big games like this will do a lot to keep him in the manager’s and the fan’s good graces.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGown has shared his verdict on the Gers’ summer business.