Michael Stewart cannot believe what he saw in Rangers penalties v Celtic
Michael Stewart was shocked at Jack Butland taking a penalty for Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final defeat against Celtic.
The outspoken pundit couldn’t believe the goalkeeper stepped up at the end for Philippe Clement’s team at Hampden Park on Sunday after a 3-3 draw [15 December].
The Gers eventually lost 5-4 in the spot kicks after Rıdvan Yılmaz missed, with the likes of Cyriel Dessers not taking a penalty despite being fresh off the bench.
Speaking live on Premier Sports after the game [15 December], Stewart said: “For the goalkeeper to be the fifth penalty taker? That is quite incredible.”
Jack Butland incredible in Rangers penalty shootout v Celtic
Taking responsibility for the fifth spot kick is tremendous from Butland, and he must’ve shown something in practice for the Gers staff to count on him.
It was an overall entertaining cup final at Hampden that finished 3-3 after extra time, and in the end, it could’ve gone either way.
The Light Blues’ shot-stopper made some brilliant saves throughout the match to deny Celtic and took the pressure on his shoulders when the Bears needed him the most.
Butland’s move to Rangers on a free transfer has undoubtedly been prudent from the recruitment team, and it’s no wonder that the England international spent time with a Premier League giant like Manchester United.
A few weeks back, the Ibrox faithful wouldn’t have thought they would see the Gers go toe-to-toe against Tottenham and Celtic in a matter of days.
Clement has had his critics at the Light Blues, and rightfully so after the poor performances this season, but the Belgian manager and his team would’ve left Hampden Park with their heads held high despite the loss.
In other Rangers news, Neil Lennon was fuming after what he saw both teams do in the Scottish League Cup final.
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