Rangers: Kris Boyd snubs Celtic ace Matt O’Riley for Player of the Year award
Kris Boyd believes that Rangers duo Jack Butland and James Tavernier along with Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland are the four best players in Scotland.
Writing in the Scottish Sun, Boyd snubbed O’Riley, Shankland and Butland to name Tavernier as his Player of the Year.
He also thinks that, despite not being the best player in the SPFL, Butland needs to be with the England team in the summer at Euro 2024.
He wrote in the Scottish Sun on 13 April: “For me, there are four obvious contenders for that prize in the top flight — Tavernier, his Rangers team-mate Jack Butland, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland.
“He [Tavernier] has helped drag Rangers back into the title race and will be key to their chances of winning the championship.
“The same goes for Butland, who had huge gloves to fill replacing Allan McGregor in the summer.
“He has turned out to be an inspired signing and like Tavernier, has been so important for Rangers.
“Butland’s form has propelled him back into the England reckoning and it would be a disgrace if he’s left out of the Euros squad.”
James Tavernier continues to inspire the Rangers dressing room
Boyd’s assertion that Tavernier should be the Player of the Year, despite acknowledging Butland’s significant impact at Ibrox, is rooted in Tavernier’s leadership qualities and record-breaking performance this season.
While Butland has been an inspired signing and a crucial figure in the club’s title challenge, Tavernier’s influence extends beyond his individual contributions on the pitch.
His ability to change the mentality of the side when the chips are down showcases his leadership, which Philippe Clement also values highly.
Furthermore, Tavernier has set a scoring record this season for the most goals by a British defender, which is a testament to his exceptional performance.
Although Butland has been a vital part of Gers’ success and Boyd believes he deserves a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, Tavernier’s overall impact as a leader and his record-breaking performance make him the ideal choice for Player of the Year.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has issued a claim on a player’s salary with a first-team Ibrox exit possible this summer.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.