Rangers: Kenny Miller gushes over Jack Butland amid ‘Class act’ verdict
Kenny Miller has been full of praise for Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland and believes he will be in contention for the Player of the Year award.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper has recently entered the conversation for Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of Euro 2024 amid a brilliant season at Ibrox.
Butland has amounted 17 Scottish Premiership clean sheets this season as the Gers have toppled Old Firm rivals Celtic, with Miller pushing for him to be involved in Player of the Year talks.
Speaking via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Tuesday (27 February), the BBC pundit said: “He might not have a lot to do but he does very, very well. And even listening to him, he’s been a class act since he came to the football club.
“The way he speaks, the way he carries himself and the influence he’s having, not just on the back four but the rest of his teammates, he’s been an incredible signing.
“And for me, I think he will be shortlisted for the Player of the Year. Whether he wins it or not is another question but at this moment in time, he’s definitely got to be right up there.”
How much of an impact has Jack Butland made at Rangers?
Some will claim that Butland has been the best goalkeeper in the Scottish Premiership this season, well ahead of Celtic’s Joe Hart, and it would be a difficult opinion to argue against.
The former Crystal Palace star is miles ahead at the top of the Golden Glove list, with Hearts’ Zander Clark the closest with 13 clean sheets. He also has the highest save percentage in the division with 79.7 per cent. [FotMob]
Due to the quality of the league, Rangers have dominated for large parts of their matches, leaving Butland with much less to do. However, when called upon, Philippe Clement is never let down.
It takes a lot of effort not to lose concentration when your side keeps possession for the majority of games, but Butland can always be trusted to keep a level head and make the necessary saves.
Not only does he perform well in the league, but he has also been integral to Rangers reaching the Europa League Round of 16, and will be needed if the Scots want to battle past Benfica.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has shared the club’s transfer stance amid a £20m sale suggestion.
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