Why Jack Butland is the only Rangers player who deserves plaudits after loss vs Hearts
Russell Martin has taken the brunt of the blame after Rangers were beaten by Hearts, but there were also some dismal individual displays.
Martin was booed by the Ibrox crowd, as many Rangers fans want him gone after failing to win any of his first five Scottish Premiership games.
The Rangers board have hidden behind Martin, as by backing him, they are ultimately as culpable for the situation that the club find themselves in.
Several players also need to take accountability, with Nassr Djiga and John Souttar woeful in defence, and Mohamed Diomande’s lack of tracking back costing Rangers, but one player does deserve praise.
Jack Butland speaks to fans after Rangers defeat
Despite the toxicity aimed at Martin at Ibrox, goalkeeper Jack Butland fronted up to his duties as a leader in the squad.
Well after full time against Hearts, Butland was seen greeting young fans outside the stadium, in an image shared on social media.
| Appearances | 5 |
| Goals conceded | 5 |
| Clean sheets | 1 |
| Save percentage | 72.2% |
The goalkeeper could not do much more about either of Lawrence Shankland’s goals, having saved his penalty before the striker tapped in the rebound for his second strike.
Butland has been let down by the defence in front of him, and the shambolic tactics which have led to Rangers conceding so many shots, but has been one of the side’s better players, and has also shown the character to stand up in the face of adversity.
Jack Butland and Thelo Aasgaard lead by example
The footage of Butland emerged alongside a clip of Thelo Aasgaard greeting fans, who in turn shouted back at him in pure anger.
This anger is misdirected, with Aasgaard one of Rangers’ best players in the defeat to Hearts, as a new arrival who is yet to predominantly feature.
Aasgaard and Butland have taken responsibility on their shoulders where others in the squad have not, and both have performed a lot better than some of their teammates.
While it is tough to praise any Rangers player right now, the pair should not be targeted for criticism, when there are others at fault for the current situation.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Rangers news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247