Barry Ferguson set for crunch Rangers talks with Jack Butland ‘set to be dropped’
Rangers fell to defeat against Hibernian on Saturday, making it five losses in a row at Ibrox.
It was a disappointing afternoon as the Gers were beaten 2-0 with yet another mistake from Jack Butland resulting in a goal.
With a Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao up next for Rangers, Barry Ferguson will have pressure on him as he prepares for the crunch showdown with the Spaniards.
Keith Jackson shares Butland verdict
Although he has held down the number one spot since he arrived at Ibrox, Butland is certainly not having a season to remember.
Another blunder against Hibernian at the weekend cost his side again, and there is doubt starting to arise over the 32-year-old in goal.
With a big game ahead and Liam Kelly having made just six Scottish Premiership appearances this season, Ferguson will be left with a big call to make.
Writing in the Daily Record (7 April, page 38), when asked if Butland should be dropped, Keith Jackson has argued that may be a step too far but immediate action is needed.
He said: “It’s a really tricky one. Butland is his best keeper by a distance, but his errors are becoming more frequent and impossible to explain.
“Ferguson is going to have to hold some difficult conversations with Allan McGregor ahead of the visit from Bilbao.”
Rangers need long-term goalkeeper plan
It would be an incredibly bold move from Ferguson if he dropped Butland ahead of the Europa League tie, but it seems highly unlikely he will do so.
With Kelly the man waiting in the wings, it feels like too much of a risk at this stage and would certainly set up all the criticism to fall on his shoulders if they lost.
The goalkeeper has definitely been guilty of making some big errors but he is also pulling off some good saves too and that’s what he has to try and focus on going into games.
| Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| 25 | 26 | 10 |
As the summer transfer window edges closer though, if Butland can’t improve his form then he will surely have to be axed from the long-term plans.
It’s hard to predict just what the future will hold at this stage, but if the 49ers Enterprises takeover is completed, they are likely to bring in their own managerial appointment to dictate the shape of the side.
With more money expected to be in the budget too, the Light Blues could definitely find themselves in the market for a new man between the sticks this summer.
Meanwhile, it is up to the experienced goalkeeper to show that he is still reliable if he wants to keep his place as the favourite in Glasgow.