Rangers: Jack Butland exit wish emerges at worst possible time at Ibrox
The news that Jack Butland is keen to leave Rangers and make a return to the Premier League emerged at the worst possible time for the Gers.
A report on 11 April from Belgian news outlet DHNet revealed the Englishman’s desire to move after just one season at Ibrox, with Standard Liege goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart touted as a possible replacement.
Since the emergence of that story, which came following a 3-3 draw in the Old Firm derby against Celtic, Rangers have suffered two damaging results which have severely dampened their Scottish Premiership title hopes.
The Gers were stunned at Ross County on 14 April, slipping to a shocking 3-2 defeat before being held to a 0-0 draw at Dundee three days later on 17 April.
As a result, Rangers sit second in the league standings, three points behind Celtic and with a worse goal difference, having squandered their advantage which would have seen them top the table.
Losing Jack Butland would be a blow for Rangers
Butland has undoubtedly been an unqualified success since he signed for Rangers on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace last summer.
He has played the full 90 minutes in every game across all competitions this season bar one – the Scottish FA Cup fourth round trip to Dumbarton – making 51 starts in total.
With him in the side, Rangers have conceded just 23 goals in 33 league outings – and that figure was 17 in 30 before their recent blip.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of their star goalkeeper could hardly have come at a worse time, with the Gers’ season beginning to unravel – and similar speculation surrounding midfielder John Lundstram.
Head coach Philippe Clement will need the squad fully focused ahead of the run-in as they look to reel Celtic in – while simultaneously juggling their efforts to win a second trophy this term after the Scottish League Cup, with a Scottish FA Cup semi-final against Hearts to come on 21 April.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has slammed Todd Cantwell and ‘sleeping’ Fabio Silva after the Gers’ draw with Dundee.
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