Rangers: Chris Sutton slams what’s been said about Jack Butland at Ibrox
Chris Sutton has slammed Jack Butland’s critics after the Rangers goalkeeper conceded three times in the 3-3 Old Firm draw against Celtic on Sunday.
Butland, 31, conceded three times in the Scottish Premiership for the first time due to a freak goal by Daizen Maeda, a penalty by Matt O’Riley and an 87th-minute effort by substitute Adam Idah.
There was some frustration about the way the Light Blues defended. James Tavernier’s role in Maeda’s goal came in for fierce criticism while Connor Goldson undeniably handled the ball to give the Bhoys a spot kick.
Blame had also been put on Butland, especially for their third goal. However, Sutton told the Daily Record on 12 April that the former Manchester United goalkeeper should be let off lightly due to the quality of Idah’s finish.
He said: “I thought some of the criticism of Jack Butland was harsh as it was a tremendous finish from the Irishman for the third goal, through the defender and right down low towards the keeper’s leg. If it wasn’t for Rabbi Matondo’s sublime equaliser, Idah would have gone down as an Old Firm hero.”
How has Jack Butland performed for Rangers this season?
It had been a tough few years for the Englishman who had found himself as the second choice at Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
A move to Glasgow has brought the best out of him and has proved to be a perfect move to benefit both parties in the end.
According to FotMob, the 31-year-old has kept 17 clean sheets in 31 matches this season. All this while conceding just 20 goals in the remaining fixtures.
There is no doubt that he has become one of the most important players under Philippe Clement as they look ahead to a title race.
It is certainly harsh to suggest that he was at fault against Celtic given that he had kept the home side in the game early on.
He made four saves and despite conceding three goals in the end, he managed to prevent 1.42 from going in [FotMob]. Without him, it could have been a different game.
He has had a superb campaign and an England call-up with a European Championships coming up would be well deserved.
In other Rangers news, a Leeds-born striker has confirmed that he wants to move to Ibrox and is available on a free transfer this summer.
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