Jack Butland ‘Incredible’ after Rangers mess v Kilmarnock on Sky Sports
Jack Butland was “incredible” in his recovery of a mess which almost led to a goal in Rangers 1-0 defeat against Kilmarnock on Sunday, James McFadden has said.
Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports (20 October, 12:07pm), McFadden was shocked as a ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by the Gers, with Butland completely missing a punch clear before recovering to stop Marley Watkins.
It was another mess late on which handed the home side all three points though, as Watkins took advantage of John Souttar to fire underneath Butland.
McFadden said: “It’s a mess, at the start of it, but Jack Butland with an incredible recovery.
“It just doesn’t sit for Marley Watkins, maybe he can hit it first time – in any case, look at the recovery from Butland to stop it. Brilliant goalkeeping in the end.”
Jack Butland helpless as Rangers lose at Kilmarnock
Had Butland been unable to recover, the blame would have laid at his door, but it was his defence that let him down late on at Rugby Park.
After an infallible first season in Glasgow, Butland’s ability in certain areas and overall form has been questioned at the start of this one, particularly after the Light Blue’s 3-0 Old Firm defeat to Celtic.
Butland and the Gers’ overall defensive numbers improved significantly after that Parkhead thrashing, collecting five wins and clean sheets in a row, but all of that good work was soon undone again.
The Light Blues number one wasn’t at fault for any of the goals in Lyon’s 4-1 Europa League victory at Ibrox, but losing his clean sheet record in such a manner will have been a blow for Butland.
That record has also disappeared in the Scottish Premiership now on what was a shocking Sunday afternoon for everyone connected with the club.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement has discussed the possibility of one ex-Gers player returning to Ibrox on a free transfer.
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.