Rangers icon shares resounding Jack Butland verdict amid fresh transfer links
Rangers are pressing forward with their hunt for a new goalkeeper despite Jack Butland’s impressive form this season.
Butland was outstanding in both legs of Rangers’ recent victory over Panathinaikos in the Champions League second qualifying round.
He followed those performances up with a clean sheet in the following round against Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox on Tuesday.
Even so, Rangers have been linked with a swoop for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein before the transfer window closes.
This would be a blow to Butland, who has arguably been faultless since returning to the Rangers team after being dropped last season.
Butland tipped to continue fantastic form despite uncertain future
This article includes an exclusive comment from former Rangers defender David Robertson.
Butland appears to have learned from being dropped by interim manager Barry Ferguson and came back stronger.
Former Rangers defender David Robertson insists that he would be more than happy if Butland continued as first-choice goalkeeper this season.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he suggested that Rangers would struggle to attract a better goalkeeper than Butland to the club.
He said: “Last season he was very patchy and come the end of the season, he made one or two mistakes.
“But I think with him being left out, he probably knows he has to be a lot more consistent, but in Scotland, I don’t think there are many as good as he is.
Read more: Russell Martin shares what ‘annoyed’ him despite Rangers 3-0 win v Viktoria Plzen
“To get somebody better than Jack Butland would be a pretty tall order. I think he’s now realised, like everyone else, the responsibility of playing for Rangers.”
“He’s come back stronger. In that Panathinaikos game, you need the big players to stand up, and he certainly did that.”
Martin’s recruitment will be judged purely on Rangers results
Football can be ruthless, and many would agree that it would be harsh to replace Butland with a new goalkeeper, given his impressive start to the season.
These are the difficult decisions that Russell Martin is paid to make, though. It’s believed he’s keen to sign a goalkeeper who is better with his feet.
| Jack Butland 2024-25 statistics |
| Appearances – 38 |
| Goals conceded – 44 |
| Clean sheets – 12 |
Ultimately, that decision will be judged based on how well Butland’s replacement performs.
If a new goalkeeper comes in and makes a few mistakes, Martin will be blamed for that. If he arrives and takes the Scottish Premiership by storm, it will be hailed as a stroke of genius.
Butland, who was labelled ‘top-class’ by Philippe Clement, has made 106 appearances for Rangers. There have been ups and downs, but his attitude cannot be questioned.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, he has knuckled down and delivered fantastic performances for Rangers.
At this point, all he can do is continue to perform to his best and hope that’s enough to earn the faith of his manager.
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