Rangers youngster credits Jack Butland with advice after Scottish Youth Cup performance
Rangers under-18 goalkeeper Mason Munn has hailed the influence of Jack Butland on his game, after impressing in their Scottish Youth Cup Final victory over Aberdeen on 1 May.
Speaking to Glasgow World, the Northern Ireland youth international said he spoke with Butland after full-time, who emphasised the need for Munn to “keep working hard.”
Munn, only 18 himself, put in a performance which emulated the heroics of Butland this season, making several key saves as the young Gers won 2-1 at Hampden Park.
The youngster said: “Butland has played at the pinnacle – Premier League football, played for England. So learning off him is massive. When I get the opportunity to train with him, it’s huge.
“When I get the opportunity, I try to take it when I can. And snippets from him help. His advice is more about staying humble and keep working hard.”
On the bigger picture at Ibrox, Munn added: “Rangers is all about winning so this is just the start of the journey for me hopefully. Big moments in big games – that’s what makes the best players in the world when they turn up on the big occasions.”
Mason Munn makes difference for Rangers youngsters v Aberdeen
Rangers began a pivotal month for the club in winning fashion as their under-18 team defeated Aberdeen in the Scottish Youth Cup final. The Gers’ senior side have another decider at Hampden coming up on 25 May, against Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Against Aberdeen, Munn was the hero for Rangers, making a fingertip save in the latter stages to prevent Alfie Bavidge from equalising for the Reds.
The 18-year-old put in a sensational performance; as has Butland in his first season at Ibrox, keeping 18 clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership.
With Butland holding a firm grasp on the Gers’ number one shirt, and John McLaughlin, Robby McCrorie and Kieran Wright all ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s still going to be a while until Munn can truly fight for a place between the sticks.
As stated by the youngster though, he has been involved in first-team training this season, and learning from a seasoned professional such as Butland can only stand Munn in good stead, as he looks to give Philippe Clement a decision to make in the not-too-distant future.
In other Rangers news, another first-team exit is now on the cards with a player now ready to make a four-year commitment to a European club this summer.
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