Steven Thompson wowed by ‘brilliant’ moment from ‘powerful’ Jack Butland in Rangers win v Aberdeen
BBC Sport pundit Steven Thompson was wowed by a “really powerful” punch from Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland against Aberdeen.
The number one produced the feat in the closing minutes of the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday (17 December).
Butland played the entire 90 minutes as Rangers won 1-0, with captain James Tavernier scoring the only goal of the game.
“It’s brilliant goalkeeping because he had so many bodies in there challenging him,” Thompson said live on BBC Sportsound (4.45pm, 17 December).
“You’re under massive pressure, into time added on, what you really want to see is your goalkeeper coming up and taking charge of the situation, and that’s exactly what Butland did. Really, really powerful punch to clear the lines.”
Crucial
Butland had huge gloves to fill having come to Ibrox to replace the legendary Allan McGregor, and he has done a superb job so far.
The former England international has made it look easy at times since his summer switch to Glasgow, producing save after save to prevent his side from conceding.
He produced an important clean sheet at Hampden Park to secure a first trophy for Philippe Clement at the first time of asking, although the goalkeeper wasn’t too challenged by the Dons.
Barry Robson’s men would have been well up for the clash before kick off, having given themselves a chance to cause a major upset at the national stadium.
But the Aberdeen attack was certainly not at its best, with Butland having a relatively quiet afternoon between the sticks.
But neither Butland nor Clement will ponder that too much in the aftermath of the match, with the celebrations certain to be in full flow.
In other Rangers news, a BBC Sport journalist has shared a Gers title verdict amid a “crisis” at fierce rivals Celtic.