‘Jack Butland looks over his shoulder’ as Rangers monitor goalkeeper
Rangers could potentially have a new number one under Russell Martin next season, affecting Jack Butland at Ibrox.
Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has been linked with a move to the Gers this summer, but it remains to be seen how his situation unfolds.
Butland’s future at Ibrox will undoubtedly be uncertain if the Light Blues sign a shot-stopper before the end of August.
The 32-year-old Englishman lost his place in the starting lineup towards the end of last season and may not get a fresh start under the Scottish manager.
Martin to assess new goalkeeper transfer as Butland and Liam Kelly compete
Martin feels a club like the Gers should ideally have three good goalkeepers.
The former Southampton head coach has revealed that while the Light Blues have Butland and Liam Kelly at their disposal at Ibrox, they will continue to assess their options.
If the Glaswegian outfit have the opportunity to sign someone desperate to play for them, they will think about a potential transfer.
Speaking to the media via The Rangers Review (13 July), the Scottish manager said: “I think you need to have two good goalkeepers, ideally three at a club like this. So I think it’s the same as any position. We’ll keep assessing what they can do, what they can’t do.
“We have two good goalkeepers, we’re fortunate with that. But if there’s someone who’s desperate to play here and we think can help us, it’s the same as any position.”
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 44 | 51 | 14 |
Butland will arguably be looking over his shoulder if the Gers end up signing a new shot-stopper, as he’s already lost some faith among the fanbase.
The addition of a new quality goalkeeper would undoubtedly indicate that Martin doesn’t trust the former Manchester United ace, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave.
Kelly to be confident competing against Butland at Ibrox
Barry Ferguson relied on Kelly in the previous campaign, giving the 29-year-old an opportunity to prove his worth at the Gers.
The Scottish goalkeeper had some standout moments for the Light Blues under the interim manager, and he should be confident about being the number one under Martin.
If Butland isn’t seen as the first-choice shot-stopper at Ibrox by the new head coach, it would make sense to get rid of him.
Rangers pay the English goalkeeper a considerable wage to have him sit on the bench for the majority of the upcoming campaign.
If Martin isn’t sure about the 32-year-old being his number one, the Gers have a no-brainer decision of replacing the former Stoke City star.
With Butland’s confidence already seemingly low, the supporters will scrutinise his every move at the Light Blues in the coming months.
It will be interesting to see how the goalkeeping saga at G51 will develop before the end of August.
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