Jack Butland gesture revealed after Liam Kelly heroics v Athletic Bilbao
Barry Ferguson made a big call to drop Jack Butland for Liam Kelly for Rangers’ 0-0 Europa League draw with Athletic Bilbao.
The Gers’ job was made even harder when Robin Propper was dismissed for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity just 12 minutes into the contest.
However, Kelly stepped up and kept the Light Blues in the tie, making three saves and saving a penalty from Alex Berenguer and ultimately justifying his manager’s decision.
Butland has no hard feelings after Kelly stuns Ibrox
Butland could have been bitter after losing his starting spot for a crucial clash in the Gers’ season.
However, a report from the Scottish Sun (10 April) revealed that the former England international went straight over to Kelly to congratulate his teammate after the final whistle.
It states that they shared some laughs and Butland gave his replacement a hug as they both took in the atmosphere at Ibrox.
Kelly can be the starter going forward for Rangers
Butland was taken out of the firing line after a string of high-profile errors and Kelly made the most of his opportunity.
The 29-year-old rose to the occasion and staked his claim to take the number one spot for the foreseeable future, in a move that could end the Englishman’s career at Ibrox, according to Ally McCoist.
| Stats | Kelly |
| Saves | 3 |
| Penalty saves | 1 |
| High claim | 3 |
| Recoveries | 9 |
Keeping Kelly between the sticks for the rest of the league campaign makes perfect sense as his growing rapport with the backline needs time to grow through consistent game time.
It also would not be a surprise if he keeps his spot for the second leg in Bilbao as the momentum that he will take from the first leg performance will still be fresh.
It is set to be a summer of change in Govan with the impending takeover by the 49ers Enterprises group, potentially in the goalkeeping department too but Kelly’s display may have eased concerns over the position.
Ferguson’s decision was a risk but the Gers may find that they have an in-house replacement for Butland and may not have to dip into the transfer market for a replacement after the Scotsman’s showing.