Jeff Stelling blown away by what Jack Butland has done at Rangers
Jeff Stelling has been left blown away live on air by the clean sheet record of keeper Jack Butland for Rangers this season.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday (5 February, 08:59 am), the host said he didn’t realise how good the 30-year-old had been since making the move to Ibrox, having recorded 19 shut-outs in 37 games during this campaign.
Ally McCoist admitted that the English keeper has been “absolutely terrific” for the Gers, adding that he’s been “one of the best signings” the club have made in years following his switch from Crystal Palace last summer.
“You look at his record, I didn’t realise how good his record was,” said Stelling. “19 clean sheets in 37 games.”
“Fabulous,” added McCoist. “It’s a funny one, Jeff. I wouldn’t say totally out of sight, out of mind, far from it because Scottish football does get reasonable coverage. But honest to god, just to reiterate what I said to you, he has been absolutely terrific. One of the best signings Rangers have made in years.”
“I think it’s probably fair to say and I haven’t seen him much this season, but from what you tell me, he’s probably a better keeper now than when he won his last England cap in 2018,” said Stelling. “He’s matured and you can hear from talking to him what a very mature attitude he has, so good luck to him.”
Jack Butland has been Rangers standout
There were high hopes about how good Butland could be for Rangers when he made the move north of the border, but he has probably already surpassed those expectations.
After spending a number of years on the bench at Crystal Palace and then on loan at Manchester United last season, he was desperate to go out and earn some regular first-team football.
That is an opportunity the Gers provided him with and he certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, having been the standout player at Ibrox this season.
Even when times were tough at the beginning of the campaign, the Englishman’s quality was clear to see as he made a number of big saves and got the Light Blues over the line in a couple of games.
He’s continued to prove his worth since Philippe Clement came through the door and after the club fought off interest from Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, they will be keen to ensure he sticks around in Glasgow for a long time to come.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has mooted a Gers move for a former Premier League forward after he’s torn up his contract.
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