Sir Kenny Dalglish predicts ‘trouble’ for Rangers amid Jack Butland verdict
Rangers could be in “a bit of trouble” if Jack Butland remains the best summer signing, according to Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Writing in the Sunday Post (17 September), Dalglish looked ahead to the Gers’ Europa League opener against Real Betis as another high-pressure match but warned Michael Beale that he must get victories to avoid letting the fans down, shifting the spotlight from Butland.
Butland has been a rare standout for the Ibrox side so far this season and has been hailed as the most impactful of Rangers’ summer haul, while the numerous attacking options are yet to show their best.
Dalglish said, as quoted by the Daily Record: “Over at Rangers, there is more pressure on them to win because they are at Ibrox against Real Betis. The Europa League is a strong competition but it’s not of the same quality as the Champions League That’s why Michael Beale’s men will have an expectation on their shoulders to get through in the top two spots in their section.
“Michael made nine new signings and many of them need to step up and deliver much more. Jack Butland has been a shining success and has made many, many good saves already.
“But, come full-time on Thursday, if you are talking about your goalkeeper being the main man then you will be in a bit of trouble. The Rangers supporters feel they have been let down enough this season and don’t want any more pain.
“It’s time for victories in big games and getting through this group they are in against the Spaniards, Limassol and Sparta Prague.”
Change the focus
The main positive talking point from Rangers’ season so far has been the former Crystal Palace and Manchester United goalkeeper.
You would be forgiven for thinking the Englishman had been at Ibrox for years, but the early summer signing has fit like a glove as Allan McGregor’s replacement.
That can’t be said for Rangers’ new-look frontline. Danilo has been starved of starting opportunities by Beale but showed his worth with an early goal against St Johnstone on Saturday (16 September) – before being hospitalised after a compound fracture.
More is desired from Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers too, but many expect an uptick in goalscoring, domestically at least, now that the high-pressure clashes have passed.
Butland has made numerous quality saves already this season but has been let down by the porous defence in front of him. Dalglish has dubbed him the “shining success” of the summer signings – it would be tough to argue against that.
But the record needs to change. A club the size of Rangers must start winning games with convincing victories. The frontline should be in the headlines for the right reasons. The Real Betis clash looks like a tough way to rewrite the narrative at Ibrox, but success there would go a long way to boost spirits in Glasgow.
In other Rangers news, Stephen Craigan has admitted he’s “never seen such a change” in the Gers’ St Johnstone showdown.