Jack Butland shows why Rangers transfer priorities have shifted, his time is up
Jack Butland was at the centre of a piece of shocking goalkeeping against Falkirk that highlights why Rangers‘ transfer priorities have now shifted.
The 33-year-old allowed a simple backpass to roll under his feet as Falkirk pulled a goal back after Youssef Chermiti had put he Gers two ahead.
Calvin Miller applied a little pressure, but it was a horror moment from Butland as he quite literally took his eyes off the ball.
Djeidi Gassama restored Rangers’ two-goal advantage, before Miller converted from the penalty spot, as the visitors went into half-time 3-2 up at Falkirk Stadium.
But fresh questions will now be asked over Butland’s status as undisputed first choice heading into the summer transfer window.
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Jack Butland replacement needed at Rangers
Danny Rohl will already have transfer targets in mind for Rangers, even if his own future at Ibrox is not clear.
Butland has had the number one spot nailed down for a while now, although there was a period last season he was temporarily left out.
| Jack Butland | 1st half vs Falkirk |
| Goals conceded | 2 |
| Saves | 0 |
| Goals prevented | -1.06 |
| Errors leading to goals | 1 |
The Englishman has always had the occasional howler in his locker, but that has so often been clouded by some great goalkeeping.
But these errors are becoming more and more common, and it is becoming increasingly clear he is already past his best.
Butland was also dreadful against Hibernian last time out and Rohl may have been better off simply not selecting him against Falkirk.
His decision to do so backfired spectacularly early on as he allowed a simple ball to trickle into an empty net.
While the clash with Falkirk may be a dead-rubber, it was still a serious embarrassment and makes even more clear that a new goalkeeper has to be a priority now.
Youssef Chermiti a rare positive in difficult Rangers campaign
Youssef Chermiti scored twice early on against Falkirk, with one of those a Goal of the Season contender.
That makes it 14 league goals for the campaign in what has been a rather up-and-down first season in Glasgow.
Rangers can put their faith in Chermiti next season, which is more than can be said about Butland at the opposite end of the field.
Hopefully that is an issue that is rectified early in the summer, or else Rangers really won’t be going anywhere fast.
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