Jack Butland called out after Rangers incident v Hibernian
Jack Butland fell victim to another loss of concentration for Rangers, with the Light Blues trailing 1-0 at home to Hibernian.
Rangers have little left to play for in the Scottish Premiership, though Barry Ferguson will be aware of the need to keep building momentum to give themselves the best chance of success in the Europa League.
However, after 45 minutes at Ibrox, Rangers have failed to do that, with Hibernian leading fairly comfortably at the expense of the Light Blues, lacking any real attacking threat.
When that lack of threat is present, it is paramount that the backline remains strong, and courtesy of Butland, they have failed to do that.
Rangers trail at the break against Hibernian
Rangers will have been aware of the task at hand against Hibernian, though the visitors have not had to work very hard for their lead whatsoever.
After just eight minutes, a rather tame effort from Dylan Levitt seemed as though it was ready to be collected by the grateful hands of Butland, but the ball just slipped straight through his body, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead, while leaving Dave McKinnon in disbelief.
| Rangers v Hibs | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Rangers | 0 | 8 | 0.46 | 70% |
| Hibernian | 1 | 1 | 0.02 | 30% |
Commentating via Rangers TV (5 April), McKinnon said: “Dylan Levitt just thumps it forward, and Jack Butland can’t get down and make the save. I think that’s bread and butter for him. I think he should have caught that.
“It’s very close to his body, he should have done better.”
Aside from that long-range sighter, Hibs haven’t really troubled Rangers, though the same could be said for the hosts, who have struggled to compose themselves in the final third.
Rangers have a serious Butland concern
Butland has certainly provided more good than bad this season, though he has showcased the fact that he has a mistake in him at Rangers on far too many occasions this season.
What should have been a routine save for the Englishman has left Rangers fighting an uphill battle, and that will no doubt be playing on his mind.
Ferguson‘s side have dominated the opening stages of the encounter, but the level of quality in attack needs to be ramped up massively if they are to come away from this game with anything of note.
With that said, Rangers have had a habit of leaving it late recently, and they may need to do the same again today.