Ally McCoist sends heartfelt message to Jack Butland while on air for Tottenham vs PSG
Ally McCoist has waxed lyrical over Jack Butland after Rangers made it through to the UEFA Champions League play-offs on Tuesday night.
Russell Martin’s side beat Viktoria Plzen 4-2 on aggregate to set up a winner-takes-it-all fixture against Club Brugge.
The Ibrox outfit are now just a two-legged tie victory away from making it to the league stage of Europe’s elite club competition.
Butland ‘Man of the Match’ despite loss vs Viktoria Plzen
The Gers progressed to the play-offs with a 2-1 second-leg defeat in Plzen.
Rafiu Durosinmi and Svetozar Markovic scored for the hosts while Lyall Cameron found the back of the net for Rangers in the 60th minute.
However, things could have been a lot worse for Martin’s side had Butland not stepped up to the show.
Viktoria had eight big chances and the English keeper had to make eight saves throughout the game.
| Stat | Viktoria Plzen | Rangers |
| Ball Possession | 41% | 59% |
| Big Chances | 8 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 27 | 9 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 8 |
| Corner Kicks | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 15 | 11 |
| Passes | 336 | 525 |
| Tackles | 13 | 14 |
| Free Kicks | 11 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
Had he let in a couple of those shots, the result would have been a lot different and Gers could have been out of Champions League contention.
This is why McCoist was raving about him in commentary during the UEFA Super Cup final between Tottenham and PSG and he named him his Man of the Match.
Speaking on TNT Sports 1, he said (13 August, 8:28pm): “Officially giving the Man of the Match to Jack Butland if he’s listening. Well done, Jack, great performance. It saved me a lot of sweat on that journey.”
Rangers need more of the same from Butland domestically
Butland’s commanding performance against Viktoria showcased his shot-stopping prowess and leadership, crucial for Rangers’ European campaign.
However, to solidify their Scottish Premiership aspirations, he must replicate this consistency domestically.
Last season’s displays highlight his capability and his lack of consistency as well, which is a worry.
By maintaining focus, dominating his box and organising the defence, Butland can anchor Rangers’ title challenge, ensuring his European heroics translate to sustained league excellence.
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