49ers watch closely after huge Jack Butland developments at Rangers
Barry Ferguson made the biggest call of his short Rangers tenure in midweek when dropping Jack Butland from his starting lineup.
After making another error in last week’s poor home loss to Hibernian, Butland paid the price by losing his place in the side against Athletic Bilbao.
Ferguson instead called up Liam Kelly for the huge Europa League quarter-final first leg in a decision that ultimately paid off.
Not only did Kelly keep a clean sheet between the sticks, he also saved a contentious penalty that was awarded to Athletic Bilbao.
And that call by Ferguson may just strengthen his credentials when it comes to landing the Rangers job full-time.
49ers investors in attendance at Ibrox
Andrew Cavenagh and Gretar Steinsson, who works for the 49ers Enterprises, were both in attendance at Ibrox for Thursday’s (11 April) European tie.
They witnessed the vociferous atmosphere up close, while they also saw first-hand that Ferguson is not afraid to make tough calls.
And according to Barry’s brother Derek Ferguson, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the successful decision to go with Kelly over Butland could pay off handsomely.
“The one thing with Barry is that he’s not going to back off when it comes to big decisions,” he said. “Barry gets the job, and the job is to play the players that are in form and will get Rangers a result.
| Kelly vs Athletic Bilbao | |
| Rating | 9.2 |
| Saves | 3 |
| Penalty Saves | 1 |
“And you know something – and this might be because I’m his brother – but I don’t think it was that big a decision. Jack Butland has been way off it.
“The amount of goals he’s been conceding is alarming. I get what people are saying – he’s a big character and he started his Rangers career brilliantly, but he’s been way off it in recent times.
“I thought it was actually quite a simply decision. There’s always a focus on goalkeepers, but Barry got the decision spot on.
“Watching the game, the keeper didn’t have a lot to do. But the owners will be watching and monitoring things closely, so Barry is doing himself a lot of favours in that regard.”
Butland to return against Aberdeen?
Kelly has certainly justified his place in the side for next week’s second leg in Spain, but Butland may yet return against Aberdeen on Sunday (13 April).
Indeed, Kelly appeared to be carrying a knock late on against Athletic Bilbao and there is absolutely no need to risk him for a nothing game against Aberdeen.
Ferguson will simply be hoping that his next big call, whenever it should be made, also pays off in front of the watching investors.