‘Rangers insane for Jack Butland call’ after what Russell Martin will do
Russell Martin has a significant decision to make regarding Jack Butland at Rangers ahead of next season.
Barry Ferguson dropped the Englishman from the starting lineup towards the end of the previous campaign after the goalkeeper made some huge errors.
Butland has been working away from Ibrox, and the shot-stopper will undoubtedly hope to get another opportunity during pre-season.
The ex-Manchester United ace may hold talks with Martin soon, and the Light Blues could potentially make a baffling call.
Butland being number two behind Liam Kelly at Rangers insane
It would be “insane” to see Butland being the backup goalkeeper at the Gers next season, Jonny McFarlane says.
The Scottish journalist would be baffled to see Liam Kelly being Martin’s number one at Ibrox after the English shot-stopper’s fall from grace in recent months.
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 44 | 51 | 14 |
McFarlane feels the 32-year-old can’t be the second choice at the Glaswegian outfit due to his wages, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
Speaking on The Rangers Review (1 July), the journalist said: “If Kelly is the number one and Butland is the number two, that’s absolutely insane. That can’t happen because of the level of Butland’s wages.”
Martin has Butland dilemma at Ibrox
Butland’s future at Ibrox remains uncertain this summer, following his erratic performances in goal last season.
If the Englishman ends up staying at the Gers for another campaign, Martin may be forced to use him as his number one due to the goalkeeper’s wages.
It wouldn’t make sense to keep a high earner like the 32-year-old in the squad just for him to play second fiddle to another shot-stopper.
While Liam Kelly performed well for Rangers in recent months, he may face challenges adapting to the former Southampton boss’s style of play.
The Scotland international isn’t the best with the ball at his feet, and Martin has historically wanted his teams to play from out the back.
Unless the Gers sign a new number one, it feels like Butland will be first-choice, and it would be surprising if he isn’t.
While the Light Blues have been linked with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, his reunion with the former Saints boss seems unlikely.
The situation regarding the number one spot will be one to watch in the coming weeks.