Rangers ‘set for major call’ v Athletic Bilbao as amazing Butland claim emerges
Barry Ferguson has a massive decision to make regarding Jack Butland before Rangers face Athletic Club in the Europa League.
The Gers are coming off an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at home in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (5 April).
Ernesto Valverde’s team will visit Ibrox on Thursday (10 April) in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final fixture.
The coaching staff are expected to be involved in crunch talks regarding one position in particular as they look to get past the La Liga outfit to qualify for the next round.
Butland decision to be made by Ferguson before Rangers v Athletic
Ferguson will drop Butland against Atheltic on Thursday, Fraser Wilson says.
The Daily Record journalist would be amazed to see the former Manchester United ace start for the Gers against Valverde’s team.
| Appearances (2024/25) | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 42 | 48 | 14 |
Wilson feels the interim boss has a massive decision to make, considering the apparent lack of confidence the shot-stopper has displayed.
Speaking on Hotline Live (6 April), the journalist said: “I’d be amazed if Butland starts and that’s the biggest call [Ferguson] has got. This time last year, he was Rangers’ most valuable player both in terms of winning games and potential transfers. The guy has been, and I still firmly believe, is a class act, but his confidence is shot.”
Ibrox faithful will want Butland change against Athletic
Ferguson will want to progress further in the Europa League to cement his claim as the next permanent manager at the Gers.
The interim boss’ prospects to continue beyond this season look slimmer after Hibernian beat the Light Blues.
Butland was at fault for the loss at Ibrox, and it wouldn’t be surprising for Ferguson and Allan McGregor to have a conversation about the Englisman’s suitability.
Rangers only have the Europa League to play for after their abysmal domestic campaign, but it’s difficult seeing them get past Athletic.
The La Liga outfit are having an impressive season in Spain and have some quality players like Nico Williams at their disposal.
While Athletic will arguably be the favourites to win at Ibrox, Ferguson has shown he’s capable of beating the best managers out there.
The former Scotland international has already gotten the better of Jose Mourinho in the Europa League, which is a mean feat for any head coach.
Whether the Light Blues can win against the Spanish club depends on how Ferguson sets them up, and the Ibrox faithful will arguably want to see Butland benched.