(Credit: Imago)

Ally McCoist sends heartfelt message to Jack Butland while on air for Tottenham vs PSG

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over nine years of experience working inside newsrooms, including but not limited to News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald. He specialises in news related to takeovers, club finances and injuries.

Published on:

14 Aug 2025, 2:10 am

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.

Martin has achieved good results in Europe. (Credit: Imago)

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

Viktoria Plzen v Rangers stats

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."

Read more: Butland deserves huge credit after ‘damning’ Rangers stat in Plzen loss

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland with his arms in the air

Butland is the undisputed number one this season. (Credit: Imago)

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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Ally McCoist

Jack Butland