Jack Butland update emerges ahead of Rangers v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has been struggling in recent games between the sticks for the Ibrox outfit.
The Englishman has been the undisputed number one since he joined Gers, but he has struggled this season.
The 32-year-old started in the 2-1 loss against Motherwell over the weekend as well.
Chris Jack wants Liam Kelly to play over Butland v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers Review’s Chris Jack spoke about the UEFA Europa League contest ahead of the game on the morning of 10 April.
He believes that the Ibrox outfit would be better suited with having Kelly in goal over their number one.
That’s because Butland has been making a lot of mistakes all season and even though he did well in the last round against Fenerbahce, it’s not enough to keep him in the team.
| Matches | Saves | Save Percentage | Goals Conceded | Goals Prevented | Clean Sheets | Errors Led To Goal |
| 26 | 58 | 67.4% | 28 | -1.45 | 10 | 2 |
He said at 15:18: “Personally, I would go for Liam Kelly over Jack Butland. I think Jack has had enough chances of late.
“I know he was the man of the moment in the tie against Fenerbahce but he’s made too many mistakes.
“I think he’s made too many mistakes over the course of the season and he looks like a guy who is a bit down in the dumps, a bit down in confidence right now.”
Barry Ferguson will be taking a huge risk if Butland does not start in goal for Rangers
Butland has had his share of blunders for the Ibrox outfit this season, with high-profile errors costing points and drawing scrutiny.
Despite these lapses, his experience on big stages, like Premier League stints and European nights, makes him indispensable for the Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Butland thrives under pressure, his shot-stopping instincts honed in high-stakes matches, and his presence commands the box in a way Kelly, his backup, hasn’t yet proven at this level.
If Barry Ferguson was contemplating dropping Butland for Kelly, the move would’ve demanded preparation and the number two should’ve been blooded in a few league games to build rhythm and confidence.
Throwing him straight into a cauldron like Bilbao, with their relentless attack, is a gamble Rangers can’t afford.
Kelly’s limited starts this season leave him untested in such intensity, and a rusty keeper risks crumbling against a side that punishes mistakes.
Butland’s errors are frustrating, but his pedigree offers stability as he’s weathered storms before and can again.
Ferguson must stick with the seasoned option here as Butland’s big-game nous outweighs his recent wobbles.