Alan Brazil stunned by Jack Butland update ahead of Rangers v Celtic. Credit: talkSPORT / Imago

Alan Brazil stunned live on air as Rangers injury news drops ahead Celtic clash

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

02 Jan 2025, 1:10 am

Alan Brazil was stunned by Jack Butland's injury news live on air ahead of Rangers' clash with Celtic on Thursday.

The Light Blues confirmed [1 January] that the goalkeeper suffered internal bleeding which required hospital treatment before returning home to recover ahead of the Old Firm derby on 2 January.

Butland later spoke out about the news on social media, explaining his current situation and voicing his frustrations when the Gers are in desperate need of the team sticking together.

Speaking live via talkSPORT [2 January, 6:08am], Gabby Agbonlahor said: "He had internal bleeding and was rushed to hospital, which is a shame and we hope he gets better soon.

Brazil reacted to the news, saying: "Oh crikey. Yes, absolutely."

Jack Butland blow emerges ahead of Rangers' Old Firm derby clash

Butland's injury news could not have come at a worse time for Philippe Clement, but of course, the most important thing is that the player is safe and already recovering.

The 31-year-old has dipped in form recently, making one or two errors to increase the pressure on the Gers' manager's position at Ibrox, especially after a defeat to St Mirren and a 2-2 draw with Motherwell.

If all three points are to go home with the Hoops on Thursday, the Gers will be 17 points behind their bitter rivals in the Scottish Premiership table, which is just indefensible.

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland

However, it is difficult to see anything other than a loss for the Gers unless they put on a similar display to that of their Scottish League Cup final performance, in which they should have lifted the trophy.

History would suggest that Brendan Rodgers' side will walk away with all three points, only winning once in the last eight matches, so Clement will need his remaining players firing on all cylinders at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, the agent of a player linked with a January Ibrox exit has issued an update on his future.

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