Sky Sports share huge Jack Butland selection update from Rangers training ground
Barry Ferguson made the biggest decision of his tenure as Rangers interim boss when he dropped Jack Butland in favour of Liam Kelly.
Kelly replaced the former England international for the Bears’ Europa League quarter-final first leg with Athletic Bilbao on 10 April.
The 29-year-old made himself a hero at Ibrox on his European debut as he saved a penalty in the Gers’ unlikely 0-0 draw with Bilbao.
Ernesto Valverde’s men seemed destined for victory when Robin Propper was shown an early red card, but Rangers dug deep to keep a clean sheet.
Kelly set to remain in goal for Rangers
After his stunning performance against Bilbao, Kelly remained in Ferguson’s lineup as the Ibrox club drew 2-2 with Aberdeen on Sunday.
He is now set to start the Europa League quarter-final second leg, as Gordon Duncan told Sky Sports News live from the training ground (16 April, 10:39am): “Liam Kelly will stay in, no question about that.
“He’ll probably have to move captain [James] Tavernier into the back three, then someone out of position – maybe [Ridvan] Yilmaz on the opposite side.”
Ferguson will need Kelly at his very best once more in Spain on Thursday as Rangers strive to progress to the last four.
Ferguson may need to beat Bilbao to stay Rangers manager
The 49ers Enterprises are looking to finalise their takeover of the Ibrox club, while interim boss Ferguson is still vying to land a permanent contract in Glasgow.
| Opponent | Result |
| Dundee (A) | 3-4 W |
| Hibernian (H) | 0-2 L |
| Bilbao (H) | 0-0 D |
| Aberdeen (A) | 2-2 D |
The 49ers may look to hire their own man, but if Ferguson can guide Rangers into the Europa League semi-finals, the prospective owners simply won’t be able to ignore the 47-year-old’s exploits in the dugout.
Ferguson’s men proved their strong mentality when they held Bilbao to a 0-0 draw at Ibrox last week, but beating Valverde’s side on away soil is still a huge task.
If the Gers can overcome the challenge posed to them by a strong La Liga outfit that boast the likes of Spain ace Nico Williams among their ranks, it will be a strong endorsement of the interim manager’s stewardship.
Ferguson is yet to lead his side to a home win, but a victory in Bilbao would surely be enough to convince the 49ers that he is the right man for the permanent role.