Rangers: Martin Keown gushes over ‘magnificent’ Jack Butland v Benfica live on talkSPORT
Martin Keown was left awestruck by Jack Butland during Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday (7 March).
The former Stoke City shot-stopper has been an incredible addition to the Gers squad this season, especially since the arrival of Philippe Clement and his form continued in the European clash.
Though he was beaten twice, once by Angel Di Maria from the penalty spot and again by a Connor Goldson own goal, Butland made four saves to keep his side from going behind. [FotMob]
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 10:12am), Keown said: “The goalkeeper was absolutely magnificent last night. Butland is now looking like a new animal, like there is a second coming.
“There is more confidence in him, he talks much better. It seems like he is a proper keeper now.”
Can Rangers advance in the Europa League with Ibrox win?
Butland has quickly become one of the first names on Clement’s teamsheet, starting all 29 of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches and also shining in Europe.
Praise for the 30-year-old shot-stopper has been a continuous theme throughout the season, with many pundits and fans tipping Butland to be awarded his first England call-up since August 2019.
Butland has really struggled to settle in at any club since leaving Stoke in 2020, having only made 17 appearances for Crystal Palace before becoming a back-up ‘keeper at Manchester United.
However, he could be one of the main reasons that Rangers battle past Benfica in the Europa League round of 16, making some key saves as Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling netted at the other end of the pitch.
Of course, Butland will need to be at his best when Benfica come to Ibrox on Thursday 14 March, with a place in the next round at stake and a shot at another piece of silverware.
In other Rangers news, an international FA chief has raged at a “waste of time” Ibrox loan transfer.
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